Inter Caste Marriage Scheme
Inter-Caste Marriage Scheme is a scheme of the government, both at the central and state levels, for encouraging social integration and curbing caste-based discrimination in Indian society. It offers financial encouragement to couples who get married outside the caste barrier, especially when one of them is from a Scheduled Caste (SC). It eliminates discrimination and integrates the people.
Overview of Inter Caste Marriage Scheme in Maharashtra
Official Name: Incentive to Encourage Inter-Caste Marriages (Maharashtra Govt)
The Inter Caste Marriage Scheme was initiated by the Maharashtra government in order to eliminate caste discrimination and encourage social integration. It provides an incentive of 3 lakh, contributed equally by the central and state governments (1.5 lakh each); the Dr.Ambedkar Foundation provides 2.5lakh, increasing the support to SC/ST spouses. Both partners must be above 18, residents of Maharashtra, and marrying for the first time, registered under Hindu Marriage Act or Special Marriage Act. Submission of Aadhaar, caste certificates, marriage certificate, proof of income, photos, and bank details through the Social Justice Department portal or district Social Welfare Officer. The incentive is credited to the bank account of the couple within 60 days. The program seeks to promote equality, break down traditional caste barriers, and help to maintain constitutional ideals of unity and fraternity.
Benefits of Inter Caste Marriage Scheme in Maharashtra
By using the assistance of this scheme, the Maharashtra state government can put off caste discrimination and promotes social harmony.
All the shortlisted applications under the scheme will be provided with a financial support from the Maharashtra state government.
The financial aid of INR 50000 to 3 lakh will be credited into the chosen applicant’s bank account.
This scheme will boost the social popularity and dwelling popular of the citizens who fall inside the scheduled caste category.
This scheme will promote inter-caste marriages in Maharashtra state immensely.
Features of the Inter Caste Marriage Scheme in Maharashtra
Maharashtra's Inter Caste Marriage Scheme encourages inter-caste marriages—especially where one partner belongs to an SC/ST/VJ/NT/SBC category—by providing 3 lakh: 50,000 by the state and 2.5 lakh through the Dr. B.R.Ambedkar Foundation. The scheme seeks to destroy caste-based discrimination, foster social integration, and ensure constitutional equality. Eligibility demands that both spouses are permanent residents of Maharashtra; one should belong to SC/ST/VJNT/SBC; the marriage should be duly registered under the Hindu Marriage Act or Special Marriage Act; legal age limits should be attained (at least 21 for the groom, 18 for the bride); and it should be a first marriage. Documents to be furnished are Aadhaar, caste and age certificates, marriage certificate, bank details, joint photographs, and affidavits. Applications can be made through the Social Justice Department portal online or offline by the District Social Welfare Officer. Money is credited into the couple's bank account after verification.
Eligibility Criteria for Inter Caste Marriage Scheme in Maharashtra
The individual / married couple must be the permanent resident of Maharashtra.
Beneficiary / married couple one should belongs to SC, ST, VJ, NT and SBC category. (Caste certificate are compulsory)
Beneficiary / married couple must provide marriage registration certificate.
Age of Groom on the time of marriage shall not be less than 21 years and Bride shall now not be much less than 18 years. (faculty Leaving certificate of Bride & Groom is obligatory)
Two Hon’ble members’ recommendation letters.
Joint couple photo.
On this appreciated definition of inter caste marriage is marriages between SC/ST/VJ/NT/SBC people and the other man or woman need to belong tp Savarna, Hindu, Lingayat, Jainj, Sikh network.
Documents Required for the Inter Caste Marriage Scheme in Maharashtra
Aadhaar card of the spouses – for address and identity proof
Marriage Certificate (court registered under Hindu or Special Marriage Act) – com,pulsory evidence of lawful marriage
Caste Certificate – indicating one partner is of SC/ST/VJNT/SBC class, the opposite of
general/Savarna category
Age Proof – like school leaving certificate or birth certificate establishing minimum ages (bride 18, groom 21)
Domicile/Residential Proof – attests Maharashtra residence, e.g., domicile certificate or electricity bills
Joint Bank Account Passbook – for direct electronic transfer of the 3 lakh incentive. Passport-size Photographs—recent couple photos
(Optional but recommended) Mobile number & Email ID – used in the online application
Declaration or Affidavit – certifying first marriage and that no benefits have been received elsewhere; with recommendation letters (according to some sources)).
How to Apply for the Inter Caste Marriage Scheme in Maharashtra?
Online Process
STEP 1: To apply for the Inter Caste Marriage Scheme Maharashtra offline the applicant may also visit the District Social Welfare Officer.
STEP 2: The applicant can collect the application form from the district social welfare officer of the respective district.
STEP 3: After the applicant gets the application form the applicant can fill up the form.
STEP 4: The candidate should fill in all the information that is requested and affix all the documents required on the application form.
STEP 5: Once all the details have been filled on the application form the candidate can submit the application form to the concerned officer.
Online Process
STEP 1: To apply for the Inter Caste Marriage Scheme Maharashtra 2025 on-line the applicant may also go to the reliable site Maharashtra website with the aid of clicking on the link right here.
STEP 2: After the applicant has reached the home page the applicant is required to click on the options Social Integration under the option schemes.
STEP 3: A new page will be on your desktop screen. The applicant has to click the option Incentive to Encourage Inter caste Marriages.
STEP 4: Upon clicking the option a registration form will be on your screen.
STEP 5: The applicant has to fill in all the information that is requested and upload all the documents required on the registration form.
STEP 6: Once the applicant has filled in all the details they will then just go through it fast and select the option submit to finish their process.
Conclusion
Maharashtra's Inter-Caste Marriage Scheme is a forward-looking scheme that fosters social cohesion by facilitating marriages between Scheduled Castes and other groups. As an incentive of 3 lakh, the scheme seeks to eliminate discrimination on caste grounds and ensure equality. The scheme involves compulsory legal registration of marriage, direct transfer of benefits to joint bank accounts, and verification by concerned departments. Eligibility conditions mandate that a spouse should be from an SC category, both are permanent residents of Maharashtra, the wedding being their first one, and fulfilling legal age criteria. The necessary documents are Aadhaar, caste and marriage certificates, bank statements, photographs, and affidavits. The application is to be made online on the Social Justice Department website or offline at district offices. By combining financial assistance with social change, this scheme not just serves the needs of couples but also helps in creating an inclusive society, as envisioned by constitutional principles and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.
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