Kerala Inter-Caste Marriage Scheme

The Kerala government introduced the Dr. MGR Memorial Scheme, popularly known as the Inter-Caste Marriage Scheme, as a progressive effort to encourage social peace and eliminate caste divisions in the state. Couples who qualify under this programme and reside in Kerala but come from different castes are entitled to apply for financial aid of up to Rs. 30,000 as well as other perks including housing and educational subsidies. The programme also offers couples counselling and coaching, as well as legal assistance if necessary. The Kerala Inter-Caste Marriage Scheme promotes intercaste weddings in order to promote inclusion, equality, and social integration, ultimately leading to a more peaceful and just society.

Kerala Inter-Caste Marriage Scheme

Kerala Inter Caste Marriage Scheme Highlights

NameKerala Inter-Caste Marriage Scheme
Initiated byGovernment of Kerala
DepartmentSocial Justice and Empowerment Department
StateKerala
BeneficiaryKerala’s Interracial Couple
Objectivepromoting inter-caste marriages and eradicating the harmful mindset that has crept into society
Benefits30,000 Rupees
Mode to applyOnline/Offline
Official websitehttps://edistrict.kerala.gov.in/

Register Marriage at Sub Register Office

Inter-caste married couple should get a marriage registration certificate from Sub Register office where the marriage has happened to apply for an inter-caste marriage certificate. The registration certificate will be issued within two weeks from the date of registration.

Kerala Inter Caste Marriage Scheme Objective

This program efforts to give money and support to couples who decide to wed outside of their caste. The scheme’s primary goals are to promote intercaste unions and oppose caste-based discrimination.

Features & Benefits of Kerala Inter Caste Marriage Scheme

  • The introduction of this programme in Kerala intends to empower the underprivileged classes by assuring that people from the backward classes who are needy and destitute won’t have to worry about finding money for their weddings.
  • The Kerala government has decided to provide financial assistance to couples from the SC caste, even in circumstances of inter-caste marriages, in order to address the financial side of marriages.
  • In Kerala, the government provides a single lump amount of Rs. 30,000 to qualifying intercaste married couples as financial assistance. Couples must sign an agreement and submit it to the Local Self Government Institution (LSGI) in order to obtain this sum.
  • The Kerala government, which handles all administrative matters and supplies the required funding for the program’s execution, entirely sponsors it.
  • NGOs and other recognized organizations will work closely with the state government to manage the planning of these marriages. The procedure will be supervised by departmental representatives.

Documents Required

  • Ration card
  • Income certificate of both wife and husband
  • Caste certificate of couples
  • Marriage registration certificate (Certificate issued by Sub Registrar’s office)
  • Identity proof such as Aadhaar card or voter ID

Kerala inter-caste marriage certificate will be issued 7 days from the date of application. 

Eligibility Criteria for Kerala Inter Caste Marriage Scheme

The applicants applying for Kerala Inter Caste Marriage Scheme must fulfill the following eligibility criteria:

  • Only legally married couples are eligible for financial help.
  • The couple’s combined annual family income should not be more than Rs. 50,000.
  • The fact that financial aid is only given once should be made clear to couples.
  • The money is meant to be used for things like starting a business, getting a piece of land, or building a house.
  • The LSGIs are in charge of making sure the money is being used for what it is intended for.
  • Couples must submit an application for financial aid within one to two years of their wedding, but no later than one year.
  • Couples who get financial aid are expected to sign a contract and turn it in to the LSGIs.
  • As to the Government’s letter No.-1151/C1/2012/SWD dated 21-06-2012, any delay in requesting financial aid beyond three years of marriage will not be taken into consideration.

Intercaste Marriage Certificate Application Fee

  • To apply for an inter-caste marriage certificate through Akshaya centres in Kerala, applicants need to pay Rs.28. (This amount includes all service charges)
  • Inter-caste marriage certificate online application fee is Rs.15.

Applying for Inter-caste Marriage Certificate through Akshaya Centers

Step 1: Visit Akshaya Centres in the locality.

Step 2: Apply for an inter-caste marriage certificate with the help of Akshaya centre service person.

Step 3: Pay the fees for application and service charges.

Step 4: After submission of application, get a receipt for future reference.

Step 5: The applicant will get an SMS regarding the progress of the inter-caste marriage certificate application.

Step 6: Once the department receives the application, the applicant will get an SMS as ‘certificate approved’. Once approved,  they can get their digitally signed inter-caste marriage certificate.

Applying for Inter-caste Marriage Certificate Online

Step 1: Visit Kerala e-District web portal main page.

Step 2: Log in to the portal using the e-portal user name and password.

Step 3: In the case of a new user, click on the portal user registration link in the main page.

Step 4: The page will redirect to the next page, enter all the details for registration.

Step 5: After registration, click on the one-time registration button.

Step 6: Select duplicate verification. This verification will find out if the applicant has already registered through any Akshaya Centers.

Step 7: After successful verification, click on submit button.

Enter Certificate Details

Step 8: Enter the e-District register number and select certificate type and its purpose.

Step 9: Enter the name and all other details. Click on save button to save entered details.

Attachment Documents

Step 10: In this section, the applicant needs to upload all required documents as said above.

Note: The applicant can attach only PDF file. The maximum allowable file size is 100 KB.

Make Payment

Step 11: After uploading documents, make payment for processing inter-caste marriage certificate. The applicant can make payment by using any of the following:

  • Payment through Debit card or Credit card
  • Payment through Net banking
  • Wallet payment
  • IMPS
  • Cash card prepaid

Step 12: After the successful fee payment, the page will be redirected to the next page. From here, the applicant can take a print out of inter-caste certificate receipt and application.

Download Inter-caste Marriage Certificate

Step 13: Check frequently the status of the application by login to the portal. It will be available in the transaction history tab. After receiving a certificate approved SMS, download certificate from the e-District web portal.

FAQs

What financial assistance is provided under the scheme?

The scheme provides a one-time financial assistance amount to the couple. The exact amount may vary, so it is recommended to check the latest guidelines or official notifications from the Kerala government.

How long does it take to process the application?

The processing time can vary depending on the completeness of the application and verification process. It is advisable to check with the concerned authority for an estimated timeline.

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