Disabled Marriage Incentive Scheme

Description
Launched on 1st April 2005 by the Social Welfare Department, Government of Chhattisgarh, the scheme "Disabled Wedding Incentive Scheme" provides financial assistance for marriage to the persons with disabilities who do not fall under the category of income tax payers. The objective of the scheme is to socially rehabilitate the persons with disabilities. In case both husband and wife and differently-abled, the couple is provided with ₹50,000/- lump sum . In case either husband or wife is differently-abled, the couple is provided with ₹1,00,000/- lump sum . The application needs to be submitted in the prescribed form to the Joint Director / Deputy Director, Panchayat and Social Welfare of the district.

Benefits
• In case both husband and wife and differently-abled, the couple is provided with ₹50,000/- (lump sum).
• In case either husband or wife is differently-abled, the couple is provided with ₹1,00,000/- (lump sum).
• The amount will be disbursed to the concerned beneficiary directly through **NEFT/RTGS**, whenever possible.
• _*The incentive amount will be jointly payable to the eligible couple._
• _*If the marriage is dissolved without a valid reason within five years of the wedding date, the entire incentive amount will be recovered as land revenue._
• _*Incentive amount will be given only once in a lifetime._

Eligibility Criteria
1. At least one partner in the couple should be a native of Chhattisgarh.
2. The applicant should have a disability of 40% or above (as per [Section 2 of the Persons with Disabilities Act, 1995](https://thenationaltrust.gov.in/upload/uploadfiles/files/Persons%20with%20Disability%20Act%201995.pdf)). 1. The applicant’s marriage should be conducted as per social customs or legally solemnized by a competent court.
3. The applicant should not be an income taxpayer.
4. The age of the bride at the time of marriage should be 18 to 45 years.
5. The age of the bridegroom at the time of marriage should be 21 to 45 years.

Required Documents
• Latest photograph of the married couple (A colour photograph of the couple taken jointly in the marriage ceremony)
• Identity proof i.e. Aadhaar card
• Domicile Certificate
• Proof of Age
• Disability Certificate
• Marriage Certificate (Document certified by MP/MLA/President or member District Panchayat/ Chairman or member Janpad Panchayat/ Sarpanch/ Gazetted Officer/ Chairman/ Councillor)
• For the bridegroom, an affidavit signed on a ₹10/- stamp paper (judicial) regarding his first marriage.
• Couple will have to jointly submit an affidavit signed on a stamp paper (judicial) of ₹50/- in the prescribed form in Appendix 2.
• Bank passbook or bank account details
• Any other documents as required

Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the main objective of the scheme?
A: The main objective of the scheme is to provide financial assistance to persons with disabilities for their marriage, promoting social rehabilitation and inclusion.

Q: Who is eligible for the financial assistance under this scheme?
A: To be eligible, at least one person in the couple must be disabled with a disability of 40% or more, both partners must be native to Chhattisgarh, and neither should be income tax payers. The age of the bridegroom should be between 21 and 45 years, and the bride should be between 18 and 45 years.

Q: How much financial assistance is provided if one partner is disabled?
A: If either the bride or groom has a disability, a lump-sum financial assistance of [?]50,000/- is provided.

Q: What is the amount of financial assistance if both partners are disabled?
A: If both individuals in the couple are disabled, the scheme provides a financial assistance of [?]1,00,000/-.

Q: Is the incentive amount payable to only one person or both?
A: The incentive amount is jointly payable to the eligible couple.

Q: Can the incentive amount be claimed more than once?
A: No, the incentive amount can be claimed only once in a lifetime.

Q: What happens if the marriage is dissolved within five years?
A: If the marriage is dissolved without a valid reason within five years of the wedding date, the entire incentive amount will be recovered as land revenue.

Q: What is the application process for the scheme?
A: Applicants must submit their application with joint signatures or thumb impressions in the prescribed format to the Joint/Deputy Director of the Social Welfare Department in their respective district.

Q: Is there a deadline to apply for the incentive?
A: Yes, the application for the incentive must be submitted within a maximum of 6 months from the date of marriage.

Q: Who sanctions the assistance amount?
A: The District Collector sanctions the assistance amount based on the recommendations of the Joint/Deputy Director of the Social Welfare Department.

Q: How long does it take for an application to be processed?
A: The approving authority must make a decision on the registered application and inform the applicant within a maximum of 30 days from the date of receipt in the office.

Q: How is the incentive amount disbursed to the beneficiary?
A: Upon approval, the amount is disbursed directly to the beneficiary through NEFT/RTGS, whenever possible.

Q: Can a couple who are income tax payers apply for this scheme?
A: No, couples who are income tax payers are not eligible for this scheme.