The scheme “Dr. Savitaben Ambedkar Inter Caste Marriage Assistance Scheme” is implemented by the Director Scheduled Caste Welfare, Department of Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of Gujarat. The scheme has been implemented as part of social empowerment by addressing inequality through marriages between individuals from Scheduled Castes of Hinduism and those from castes other than Scheduled Castes of Hinduism. Under the scheme, the couple is to be provided financial assistance of ₹2,50,000/- to encourage inter-caste marriages between Scheduled Castes and other Hindus. This scheme is a centrally sponsored initiative with a 50% contribution from both the state and central governments.
Amount of Incentive
An incentive of Rs.2.50 lakh for a legal inter-caste marriage is provided under the Dr. Ambedkar Scheme. The incentive amount of 50% in the form of a DD in joint name of the couple and the balance 50% after 5 years will be provided to eligible couple.
The scheme covers incentives for 500 marriages in one year. Each state has the fixed target in proportion to the percentage share of SC population, as per Census 2011. Further, an amount of Rs. 25,000/-, for each marriage, would be released to the District Authorities for organising a befitting programme in which the incentive would be handed over to the couple.
Benefits
- An assistance of ₹1,00,000/- is provided to the couple for domestic expenses, for purchasing household appliances.
- An assistance of ₹1,50,000/- is provided in the form of National Savings Certificates in the joint name of the married couple.
- A total financial assistance of ₹2,50,000/- will be provided to the couple under the scheme.
Eligibility
- One person of the inter-caste marriage couple should be a native of Gujarat.
- One person of the inter-caste marriage couple should belong to Scheduled Caste Category.
- Such marriages have to be registered and applications for assistance under the scheme have to be made within two years of the marriage.
- The parents of the inter-caste marriage couple should have been residing in the state of Gujarat for five years.
- Any person other than a Scheduled Caste who is a migrant shall be required to furnish a certificate to the effect that he is not an untouchable in that Province or State and that he practices the Hindu religion.
- If a widower or a widow who does not have children remarries, assistance will be available under this scheme.
- There is no income limit.
Application Process
Documents Required
- Passport-size Photograph
- Aadhaar Card of the applicant
- Caste Certificate
- Documents regarding when the applicant got divorced (if the applicant was married at the time of marriage)
- Proof of death (if the applicant was a widower/widow at the time of marriage)
- Proof of divorce (if the man/woman was married at the time of marriage)
- Proof of death (if the young / woman was a widower/widow at the time of marriage)
- School Leaving Certificate of the applicant
- Proof of Residence (Any one of Electricity Bill/Licence/Lease Agreement/Electoral Card/Ration Card)
- Certificate of marriage registration
- Copy of First Page of Bank Passbook /Cancelled Cheque (in the name of the applicant)
- Declaration Form to be submitted at the time of receipt of Marriage Registration Certificate (Marriage Statement Form)
- Any other documents as required
FAQs
What financial assistance is provided under the scheme?
A financial assistance of ₹2,50,000/- is provided to encourage inter-caste marriages between Scheduled Castes and other Hindus.
What is the residency requirement for the parents of the inter-caste marriage couple?
The parents of the inter-caste marriage couple should have been residing in the state of Gujarat for five years.