Launched by the Department of Social and Tribal Welfare, UT Ladakh, the State Marriage Assistance Scheme provides a one-time financial grant to eligible female beneficiaries from AAY or PHH ration cardholder families. The scheme aims to empower women by easing the financial burden of marriage. While all eligible female beneficiaries receive ₹50,000/-, Divyangjan beneficiaries with benchmark disabilities under “The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016” are granted ₹1,00,000/–. Applications for this scheme are submitted through the District or Tehsil Social Welfare Officer in Leh or Kargil.
Benefits
- General Benefit:
- A one-time financial assistance of ₹50,000/- for eligible female beneficiaries.
- For Divyangjan Beneficiaries:
- Enhanced assistance of ₹1,00,000/-.
- Purpose:
- To support marriage expenses and promote social empowerment among economically weaker sections.
Eligibility Criteria
- Ration Card Requirement:
- The applicant must belong to a family holding an Antodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) or Priority Household (PHH) ration card.
- Residency:
- Both the bride and bridegroom must be permanent residents of Ladakh.
- Age Requirements:
- The bride must be above 18 years.
- The bridegroom must be above 21 years.
- Marital Status:
- The marriage must be the first marriage for both the bride and the groom.
- Divyangjan Eligibility:
- Divyangjan applicants with benchmark disabilities as defined in “The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016” are eligible for the enhanced grant.
- Additional Considerations:
- In case of a widow applicant, additional documents like the death certificate of the ex-husband are required.
Application Process (Offline)
- Obtain the Application Form:
- Visit the office of the District Social Welfare or Tehsil Social Welfare Officer during office hours and request the prescribed application form, or print the format from available resources.
- Complete the Form:
- Fill in all mandatory fields, affix a passport-sized photograph (with signature if required), and attach all necessary documents (self-attested where required).
- Submission:
- Submit the duly filled and signed application form along with the supporting documents to the District Social Welfare Officer, Tehsil Social Welfare Officer, or designated Social Worker at Leh/Kargil.
- Obtain Receipt:
- Request a receipt or acknowledgment containing the submission date, time, and a unique identification number (if applicable).
Documents Required
- Photographs:
- Two passport-size photographs of both the bride and the bridegroom.
- Identity Proof:
- Aadhaar Card of both bride and bridegroom.
- Birth Certificate:
- For both bride and bridegroom.
- Ration Card:
- AAY/PHH ration card showing the applicant’s or her father/husband’s (in case of a widow) name (issued by S.D.M/Tehsildar).
- Residence Certificate:
- Issued by S.D.M/Tehsildar.
- In Case of Widows:
- Death Certificate of the ex-husband.
- For Divorced Applicants:
- Divorce Decree (issued by a court).
- For Unmarried Applicants:
- Affidavit declaring non-marriage.
- For Differently-abled Applicants:
- UDID Card copy or Certificate of Disability.
- Additional Documents:
- Any other documents as specified by the guidelines.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
-
What is the Ladakh State Marriage Assistance Scheme?
It is a state initiative providing financial assistance to eligible female beneficiaries for their marriage expenses. -
Who is eligible for the scheme?
Female beneficiaries from AAY or PHH ration cardholder families who are permanent residents of Ladakh; Divyangjan beneficiaries are eligible for enhanced assistance. -
What financial assistance is provided under this scheme?
A grant of ₹50,000/- is provided generally, while Divyangjan beneficiaries receive ₹1,00,000/-. -
What are the age requirements?
The bride must be above 18 years and the bridegroom above 21 years. -
Must the beneficiaries be residents of Ladakh?
Yes, both the bride and the bridegroom must be permanent residents of Ladakh. -
How is the financial assistance provided?
The grant is provided as a one-time financial assistance upon approval of the application. -
What documents are required to apply?
Required documents include identity proofs, birth certificates, AAY/PHH ration card, residence certificate, and additional documents like death certificate (for widows), UDID/Disability Certificate (for Divyangjan applicants), and others as specified. -
Where should applications be submitted?
Applications are submitted to the District or Tehsil Social Welfare Officer (or Social Worker) at Leh or Kargil. -
When did the revised scheme become effective?
Refer to the latest guidelines provided by the Department of Social and Tribal Welfare, UT Ladakh for updated effective dates. -
How is eligibility determined and financial assistance sanctioned?
Eligibility is verified based on the prescribed criteria and documents submitted; final sanctioning of financial assistance is carried out by the Department after verification.