The “Grant of Incentive for Marriage Between Differently Abled Persons” scheme is an initiative by the Department of Social Welfare, Government of Puducherry. This scheme aims to encourage and support marriages between differently abled individuals by providing a one-time incentive. Eligible couples receive a total incentive of ₹2,00,000, which is disbursed as ₹40,000 in cash and ₹1,60,000 in the form of a National Savings Certificate (NSC). The selection of beneficiaries is periodic and subject to fund availability.
Benefits
- Total Incentive: ₹2,00,000 per eligible marriage.
- Cash Component: ₹40,000.
- NSC Component: ₹1,60,000.
Eligibility
- Residency:
The applicant must be a native or resident of the Union Territory of Puducherry. - Income:
The applicant’s annual income must not exceed ₹75,000. - Age Requirements:
- Bride must be above 18 years of age.
- Bridegroom must be above 21 years of age.
- Disability:
Both the bride and the bridegroom must have a disability of 40% or above. - Marriage Conditions:
- The marriage should be the first marriage for both the bride and the groom.
- The marriage must be registered.
- Application Timing:
The application must be submitted within 120 days after the marriage. - Additional Benefit for Female Registered Worker:
A female registered worker is also eligible to apply for this incentive for her own marriage.
Application Process
Offline
- Obtain the Application Form:
- Visit the Office or Sub-Office of the Department of Social Welfare in Puducherry (or take a printed copy of the prescribed format).
- Fill Out the Form:
- Complete all mandatory fields, paste a passport-sized photograph (signed across, if required), and attach copies of all mandatory documents (self-attested if needed).
- Submit the Application:
- Submit the duly filled and signed application form along with the documents to the designated authority (e.g., the Deputy Director (Women Development) or the Child Development Project Officer, depending on location).
- Receipt:
- Request a receipt or acknowledgment that includes the date and time of submission and a unique identification number, if applicable.
Documents Required
- Identification Documents:
- Aadhaar Card for both the bride and bridegroom.
- Ration Card for both.
- Voter ID Card for both.
- Proof of Marriage:
- Marriage Certificate.
- Marriage Invitation.
- Marriage Photograph.
- Medical and Disability Proof:
- Medical Certificate for both.
- Income and Residence:
- Income Certificate.
- Residence-cum-Nativity Certificate issued by the competent authority.
- Other Documents:
- Caste Certificate for both.
- Recent Passport-Size Photograph.
- Bank Passbook (showing account details).
- NOC in case the applicant is from another state.
In the absence of an Aadhaar Card, provide the Aadhaar Enrolment ID along with any one of the following: Bank or Post Office Passbook with photo, PAN Card, Passport, Ration Card, Voter Identity Card, MGNREGA Card, Kisan Photo Passbook, Driving License, Certificate of identity from a Gazetted Officer/Tehsildar, or any other document as specified by the Department.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How is the incentive amount of ₹2,00,000 distributed between cash and NSC?
The incentive is divided into ₹40,000 in cash and ₹1,60,000 in the form of National Savings Certificate (NSC). - Are there any conditions on the utilization of the ₹40,000 cash component?
The guidelines do not specify restrictions on the cash component, but it is intended to support marriage-related expenses. - Is the incentive amount subject to change?
Adjustments may occur based on policy reviews and fund availability. - Are there any tax implications on the ₹2,00,000 incentive?
Beneficiaries should consult tax experts; the scheme guidelines do not elaborate on tax treatment. - Is there any compensation for the delay in disbursal of the scheme benefits?
No compensation is provided for delays. - Can applicants from neighboring states/UTs also apply?
Only natives or residents of Puducherry are eligible. - What are the mandatory fields in the online application form?
Mandatory fields include personal details, contact information, details of the marriage, and required document uploads. - Are there sub-offices where applicants can seek assistance?
Yes, applicants can seek help at designated sub-offices of the Department of Social Welfare in Puducherry. - Where can individuals find contact information for direct inquiries?
Contact details are available on the “Contact Us” section of the official website. - How can individuals address grievances related to the scheme?
Grievances can be submitted via the official grievance redressal portal or by contacting the designated sub-office. - What is the official document containing detailed guidelines for the scheme?
Detailed guidelines are available on the official website. - Where can applicants track the status of their application?
Applicants can track their application status through the “Track Your Application” link on the portal. - Is there a specific time frame for submitting the application after marriage?
Yes, the application must be submitted within 120 days after the marriage. - Is the selection for this scheme ongoing or periodic?
The selection is periodic and depends on the availability of funds.