Launched by the Government of West Bengal in 2018, the Rupashree Prakalpa Scheme aims to provide one-time financial assistance to economically disadvantaged families for the marriage of their daughters. This initiative enables families with low annual incomes to celebrate their daughter’s wedding with dignity and without the burden of excessive financial strain. By supporting marriages and encouraging continued education, the scheme plays a crucial role in enhancing the social status of girls and promoting gender equality.
Benefits
- Financial Assistance:
Eligible families receive a one-time grant of ₹25,000 to help cover wedding expenses. - Dignity and Social Upliftment:
The scheme ensures that economically weaker families can celebrate their daughter’s marriage with dignity. - Educational Encouragement:
It incentivizes educational attainment, as beneficiaries are required to have completed at least 10th standard. - Flexible Timing:
Applications can be submitted starting three months before the marriage date and up to one year after the marriage, providing ample time for families to avail the benefit. - Family Limit:
The scheme can be availed for the marriage of up to two daughters per family.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the Rupashree Prakalpa Scheme, the following criteria must be met:
- Income Requirement:
The family’s annual income must be ₹1.5 lakhs or less. - Age:
The beneficiary girl must be 18 years or older and unmarried at the time of application. - Marital Status:
The proposed marriage must be the girl’s first marriage. - Residency:
The girl should have been born in West Bengal, or must have been a resident for the past 5 years, or her parents should be permanent residents of the state. - Education:
The girl must have completed at least the 10th standard or equivalent education. - Bank Account:
The beneficiary should have an active bank account (with IFSC and MICR codes) in her name for direct fund transfer. - Number of Daughters:
The scheme is available for families with up to two daughters only.
Application Process
Offline Process
- Collect the Application Form:
Obtain the form free-of-cost from the nearest office:- For Rural Areas: Office of the Block Development Officer.
- For Municipal Areas: Office of the Sub-Divisional Officer.
- For Urban Areas: Office of the Commissioner.
- Complete the Form:
Fill out all mandatory details on the form and attach the required documents:- Proof of age (e.g., Birth Certificate, Voter ID, PAN Card, etc.)
- Self-declaration of never-married status.
- Income certificate (self-declaration certified by a Competent Authority).
- Proof of residence (self-declaration certified by a Competent Authority).
- Bank account details (photocopy of the bank book page showing complete details).
- Marriage proof (e.g., Marriage Invitation Card or Marriage Registration Notice).
- Proof of the prospective groom’s age.
- Coloured passport-sized photographs of both the applicant and the prospective groom.
- Submission:
Submit the completed form along with all required documents to the relevant office.
Applications must be submitted at least 30 days and not more than 60 days before the proposed marriage date. - Acknowledgment:
Upon submission, an acknowledgment slip is issued. Keep it safe for future reference. - Disbursement:
Once approved, the financial assistance of ₹25,000 is directly transferred to the bank account of the beneficiary’s parents or guardians, with SMS notifications confirming the transfer.
Documents Required
- Proof of Age: Self-attested photocopy of any one: Birth Certificate, Voter ID, PAN Card, Madhyamik Admit Card, Aadhar Card, or Primary School Leaving Certificate.
- Never-married Status: Self-declaration on the application form.
- Family Income: Self-declaration certified by a Competent Authority.
- Proof of Residence: Self-declaration certified by a Competent Authority.
- Bank Account: Self-attested photocopy of the bank book page showing account details.
- Proof of Proposed Marriage: Marriage Invitation Card or Marriage Registration Notice.
- Proof of Prospective Groom’s Age: Photocopy of one valid identity document (attested by the prospective spouse).
- Passport-sized Photographs: Coloured copies of the applicant and the prospective groom.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the objective of the Rupashree Prakalpa Scheme?
A1: The scheme aims to provide financial assistance to economically disadvantaged families of West Bengal for the marriage of their daughters, ensuring they celebrate the occasion with dignity.
Q2: Who is eligible to apply for the scheme?
A2: The scheme is applicable to families residing in West Bengal with an annual income of ₹1.5 lakhs or less, and to an unmarried girl aged 18 or above who has completed at least the 10th standard.
Q3: What is the financial assistance provided under the scheme?
A3: Eligible families receive a one-time grant of ₹25,000 for the marriage of their daughter.
Q4: How can I apply for the scheme?
A4: Applications can be submitted offline by collecting the form from the relevant government office (Block Development Officer, Sub-Divisional Officer, or Commissioner’s office) and submitting it with the required documents.
Q5: What documents are required to apply for the scheme?
A5: Required documents include proof of age, never-married status declaration, income certificate, proof of residence, bank account details, marriage proof, prospective groom’s age proof, and coloured passport-sized photographs.
Q6: How is the financial assistance disbursed?
A6: The assistance is directly transferred to the bank account of the beneficiary’s parents or guardians, with confirmation sent via SMS.
Q7: Is there an age limit for the beneficiary?
A7: Yes, the beneficiary must be 18 years or older.
Q8: Can a family apply for assistance for more than one daughter?
A8: No, the scheme is limited to providing assistance for the marriage of up to two daughters per family.