The Incentive Award to Inter-Caste Married Couples scheme, launched by the Adi Dravidar Welfare Department, Government of Puducherry, aims to reduce the impact of untouchability and promote a casteless society. The scheme provides financial support to eligible inter-caste marriages—specifically where one partner belongs to the Scheduled Caste and the other from a different community—thereby encouraging social integration and reducing caste-based prejudices.
Benefits
- Award Value:
- Total award of ₹50,000, comprising ₹20,000 in cash and ₹30,000 in the form of a National Savings Certificate.
Eligibility
- Citizenship:
- Both bride and groom must be citizens of India.
- Inter-Caste Requirement:
- The marriage should be between a Scheduled Caste individual and a person from another community.
- Marital Status:
- The marriage must be registered and should be the first marriage for both the bride and the groom.
- Residency:
- Either the bride or the groom must be a native of Puducherry.
- Time Limit:
- The application must be submitted within 60 days from the date of marriage.
Application Process
Online Process
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Register:
- Visit the Official Website of the e-District Portal of the Government of Puducherry.
- Click “Login” at the top right and then “Register a New Membership”.
- Complete the registration form by entering your Username, Password, Personal Details (Full Name, Email, Address, Gender, Date of Birth, Mobile Number) and agree to the declaration. Fill in the Captcha and click “Signup”.
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Login:
- Go back to the e-District Portal, click “Login”, and sign in with your Username and Password after filling in the Captcha.
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Apply for the Scheme:
- On the list of schemes displayed, select the Incentive Award to Inter-Caste Married Couples scheme.
- Fill in all mandatory fields in the application form and upload the required documents.
- Tick the declaration stating, “I hereby declare that the above-mentioned details are true and correct as per the best of my knowledge” and then submit the application.
- Note the application number received on your registered mobile number/email for tracking purposes.
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Tracking:
- Use the provided link to track your application status.
Documents Required
- Residence-cum-Nativity Certificate.
- Aadhaar Cards of both the bride and the groom (or Aadhaar Enrolment ID with any one alternate document as specified).
- Bank Passbook of the Joint Account.
- Birth Certificate or Transfer Certificate (TC) of the bride.
- Birth Certificate or TC of the bridegroom.
- Caste Certificates for both the bride and the groom.
- First Marriage Certificate (obtained from MLA/MP).
- Marriage Registration Certificate.
- NOC from the State Government.
- Recent passport-size photograph of the applicant.
- Voter Cards of both the bride and the bridegroom.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What forms of recognition and support does the scheme provide?
The scheme awards a total of ₹50,000, which is given as ₹20,000 in cash and ₹30,000 as a National Savings Certificate. -
Can the scheme be availed for marriages involving non-citizens of India?
No, both the bride and groom must be Indian citizens. -
How does the scheme contribute to societal change?
By incentivizing inter-caste marriages, the scheme promotes social integration and works toward reducing the stigma associated with untouchability. -
Which department oversees this scheme?
The scheme is managed by the Adi Dravidar Welfare Department, Government of Puducherry. -
What is the time limit for submitting the application?
Applications must be submitted within 60 days from the date of marriage. -
What are the geographical requirements for eligibility?
Either the bride or the groom must be a native of Puducherry. -
Are there any specific conditions regarding the marital history of the couple?
Yes, the marriage must be the first marriage for both the bride and the groom. -
What is the monetary value of the award?
The award totals ₹50,000 (₹20,000 in cash and ₹30,000 as a National Savings Certificate). -
What is the primary objective of the scheme?
The scheme aims to reduce caste-based discrimination and promote a casteless society by incentivizing inter-caste marriages. -
Is there any compensation for delay in disbursal of benefits?
Details regarding compensation for delays, if any, are provided in the scheme guidelines. -
Where can I find the scheme guidelines?
Guidelines, along with contact details for grievances and application tracking, are available on the official website and relevant portals of the Government of Puducherry.