In the diversity that is India, social peace and equality are still guiding objectives of welfare state policies. In order to promote social integration, the Indian government has initiated the Intercaste Marriage Scheme along with a few state governments. The government pays couples who marry out of caste, particularly when one of them is from the Scheduled Caste (SC) community.
The intercaste marriage plan takes a step towards the unity of society and gives everyone an equal right to choose a life partner without anyone prefixing as an incompatible sect. In this article, we will discuss everything that you should know regarding the Intercaste Marriage Scheme, including its application process, eligibility criteria, benefits, and documents required in applying for it.
Overview of the Intercaste Marriage Scheme
The Intercaste Marriage Scheme is a programme of social welfare and the scheme comes under the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Foundation, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. The main purpose of this programme is to encourage inter-caste marriages between SCs and non-SC people.
The government offers money to these couples as an incentive so that they are able to initiate matrimonial life without any financial constraints or any type of discrimination from society. In addition, many state governments have implemented their own intercaste marriage schemes with different incentives and eligibility criteria.
Intercaste Marriage Scheme aims and objectives
The other objectives of the Intercaste Marriage Scheme are as under:-
- Prevention of breach of social unity: For equal status and to discourage inter-caste marriages.
- To decrease social discrimination: To fight against caste based prejudices and discrimination through the promotion of intercaste marriages.
- Support for Couples: Financial assistance to newly married intercaste couples as an initial settlement in life.
- Empowerment of the Scheduled Castes: Dignity and Inclusiveness for the Scheduled Castes in the mainstream.
- Motivation of Youth: To raise awareness among youth to have the freedom of partner in choosing a life partner without considering his/her caste.
Intercaste Marriage Scheme Features
- The scheme is centrally sponsored, while the states are implementing the same.
- Once-off financial boost available for eligible couples.
- It is applicable when either a flat owner or a co-owner is from the Scheduled Caste (SC) community and the other is from the Non-SC community.
- The marriage should be registered under the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 or the Special Marriage Act, 1954.
- The couple must apply within a year of getting married in order to reap the benefits.
Eligibility for the Intercaste Marriage Scheme
To get the benefit of the intercaste marriage scheme, the applicant should fulfill the following eligibility conditions:
Caste Requirement:
- One of the spouses should be a Scheduled Caste (SC), and the other belongs to a non-SC community.
- Both must be Indian citizens.
Marriage Registration:
- Monogamy should be valid under the Law as well and subject to registration under their respective marriage act.
- The application is only available with the Original Marriage Registration Certificate.
Time Limit for Application:
The scheme should be applied for within one year of marriage by the couple.
Age Requirement:
The bride should have completed 18 and the groom should be at least 21, which is a mandatory requirement.
Previous Marital Status:
Both the husband and the wife should be single at marriage or would have been either legally separated or widowed.
Income Criteria (in some states):
Some state governments can cap annual family income at around ₹5 lakh.
Financial Assistance in Intercaste Marriage Scheme
The monetary incentive for the intercaste marriage scheme is different with respect to the Central and State Governments.
- Central Sector Scheme 2 (Dr. Ambedkar Foundation Scheme)
- The Central Government offers a one-time assistance of ₹2.5 lakh to intercaste married couples.
- This is a figure to help the partners establish themselves in a stable marriage.
- Typically, the money is sent to the couple’s joint bank account.
State Government Incentives (Examples):
Different states have their own incentives in addition to the central benefit.
| State | Financial Assistance | Remarks |
| Maharashtra | ₹3 lakh | For marriages where one spouse belongs to SC. |
| Tamil Nadu | ₹2.5 lakh + gold coin | For legally registered intercaste marriages. |
| Kerala | ₹50,000 | Provided after marriage registration. |
| Assam | ₹1.5 lakh | Under the Dr. Ambedkar Scheme for Intercaste Marriage. |
| Rajasthan | ₹5 lakh | One of the highest incentives among states. |
These incentives encourage more couples to embrace social equality and harmony through intercaste marriages.
Documents for Inter Caste Marriage Scheme
For the intercaste marriage scheme, you usually need the following documents:
- Certificate of Marriage (issued under the Hindu Marriage Act/Special Marriage Act).
- Caste Certificates of both partners
- Aadhaar Cards of both partners
- Particulars of Joint Bank Account (in a nationalized bank)
- Passport-size photographs of both spouses
- Age Proof (Birth Certificate/10th Marksheet)
- Address proof (ration card, voter ID or electricity bill)
- Affidavit of Marriage Validity
- Income Certificate (if applicable)
- Application Form (complete and signed by both husband and wife)
Procedure for Applying Intercaste Marriage Scheme
Union intercaste marriage scheme application can be done online or offline in some states. Here is a general guide to assist you:
Step 1: Head to the Website of Dr. Ambedkar Foundation
Visit the official site of your State Social Welfare Department or Dr. Ambedkar Foundation (for the central scheme).
Step 2: Download/ Fill Application Form
Go to the Intercaste Marriage Scheme Application form, online or download it if the option is available.
Step 3: Fill in the Details
Enter your name, address, caste (if applicable), date of marriage and bank account details correctly.
Step 4: Attach Documents
Join all required documents such as marriage certificate, caste certificate and Aadhaar cards.
Step 5: Submit the Application
Send the form to the District Social Welfare Office (DSWO) or even to an online portal.
Step 6: Verification Process
Local authorities will authenticate and validate the marriage information and documents.
Step 7: Signature and Transfer Of Funds
When the incentivisation is approved, the amount of the incentive will be directly deposited into the joint bank account of the husband and wife.
How to Apply Online (Example for Central Scheme)
- Visit the official portal of Dr. Ambedkar Foundation: www.ambedkarfoundation.nic.in
- Click on Intercaste Marriage Scheme Application.
- Fill in your details and upload scanned copies of the required documents.
- Submit the form online and note your application reference number.
- Wait for verification and approval by authorities.
Key Points
- Applications must be submitted within one year of marriage.
- This program tackles only legally recognized marriages (asterisk below).
- The support is a one-time payment.
- Anyone who provides false information will have their benefit revoked and face criminal charges.
Conclusion
The Intercaste Marriage Scheme is a bold move toward a caste free society. By supporting the pace of destroying the imposition of marriage, the Indian government supports people living freely while supporting the future of equality and unity in India.
If you or someone you know has married intercaste, please apply to the intercaste marriage scheme within one year of placement to receive benefits. It is not just about financial support; it is a recognition of love not bound by caste.
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FAQs
1. Who is eligible to apply for the Intercaste Marriage Scheme?
Any couple in which one partner is from a Scheduled Caste community and the other is from a Non-SC community can apply.
2. What is the amount of incentive provided to the couple under the scheme?
The Central Government gives ₹2.5 lakh, and the states provide additional incentives depending on their respective policies.
3. Can couples apply online for the Intercaste Marriage Scheme?
Yes, several states and the Dr. Ambedkar Foundation allow online applications through their official portals.
4. Is there any income ceiling for couples to avail of these benefits?
Several states have income ceilings (most of which are ₹5 lakh per annum), while several other states do not have income ceilings.
5. After the application is verified, how long does it take to actually receive the benefit amount?
Once the application is verified and approved, the incentive money will be sent directly to the couple’s joint bank account. This usually takes several months.
