The Karnataka Social Welfare Department has launched an incentive scheme to promote intra-caste marriages within different sub-castes of Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST). This initiative aims to reduce casteism and foster unity by offering financial support to couples who belong to different sub-castes within the SC/ST communities. The incentive is structured to support the marriage process and enhance the financial security of the couple.
Benefits
- Incentive Amount:
- ₹2,00,000/- is provided if an SC/ST boy or girl marries a person from a different sub-caste.
- ₹1,50,000/- is provided if the couple has already availed of the simple marriage grant.
- Subsidy Disbursement:
- The incentive is disbursed in two installments:
- 50% in cash.
- 50% as a fixed deposit with a minimum term of 3 years.
- The incentive is disbursed in two installments:
Eligibility
- Residency:
Both the bride and groom must be residing in Karnataka. - Sub-Caste Requirement:
The couple should belong to different sub-castes within the Scheduled Castes. - Family Income:
The annual family income should not exceed ₹2,00,000/-. - Age Requirements:
- Bride: 18 to 42 years at the time of marriage.
- Groom: 21 to 45 years at the time of marriage.
- Exclusions:
Recipients of incentives for inter-caste marriage or widow remarriage are not eligible for this scheme.
Application Process
Online Process
- Visit the Official Website:
Go to the official website and click on “Incentives to Marriages.” - Select the Relevant Option:
Choose “Incentives to Inter-caste Marriages” and then click on “Register.” - Registration:
Register using your Aadhaar Card number, providing all the required information. - Document Upload:
Upload all the relevant documents. - Acknowledgement:
An SMS will be sent to the couple after registration, and you can print the acknowledgement form as proof of application. - Verification:
The Social Welfare Department will conduct a spot verification of the details provided. - Disbursement:
After successful verification, the incentive will be credited to the joint bank account of the couple.
Note:
The application must be submitted within one year of the marriage.
Documents Required
- Aadhaar Card (Both spouses must provide their Aadhaar numbers)
- Caste Certificate
- Income Certificate
- Marriage Registration Certificate
- Marriage Photo
Frequently Asked Questions
-
What is the incentive amount for intra-caste marriages?
The scheme offers an incentive of ₹2,00,000/- for couples, or ₹1,50,000/- if the simple marriage grant is availed. -
How is the incentive disbursed?
The incentive is provided in two installments—50% in cash and 50% as a fixed deposit with a minimum term of 3 years. -
Who is eligible for this scheme?
The couple must belong to different sub-castes within the Scheduled Castes, be residents of Karnataka, have an annual family income not exceeding ₹2,00,000/-, and meet the age requirements (bride: 18-42 years; groom: 21-45 years). -
Are recipients of inter-caste marriage incentives eligible?
No, those receiving incentives for inter-caste marriage or widow remarriage are not eligible for this scheme. -
Is there a time limit for applying after marriage?
Yes, the application must be submitted within one year of marriage. -
Can I apply for this scheme online?
Yes, the application process is entirely online via the official portal. -
What happens after the application is submitted?
The department will conduct spot verification of the details, and upon successful verification, the incentive will be credited to the couple’s joint bank account. -
How will I be informed about my application status?
An acknowledgement form is generated after registration, and further updates are communicated via SMS and through the online portal. -
Can the incentive be claimed for marriages before April 1, 2018?
Please refer to the official guidelines for any specific cut-off dates or retroactive provisions.