Financial Assistance to Newlyweds under Kanyadan Yojana (Vijabhaj)

Description
The scheme "Financial Assistance to Newlyweds under Kanyadan Yojana Vijabhaj " was launched by the Department of Social Justice & Special Assistance, Government of Maharashtra. The scheme aims to reduce the economic, social, and educational backwardness of Scheduled Castes, Freed Castes, Nomadic Tribes, and Special Backward Classes in Maharashtra, helping integrate them into the mainstream of society. The grant is provided for the first marriage of both the bride and groom of these communities.

Benefits
• A financial assistance of ₹10,000/- is provided to couples who participate in mass marriage ceremonies.
• An incentive grant of ₹2,000/- per couple is offered to institutions and organizations that organize mass marriage ceremonies for these communities.

Eligibility Criteria
1. The bride and the groom must be residents of Maharashtra.
2. The groom should not be less than 21 years of age.
3. The bride should not be less than 18 years of age.
4. The grant is only admissible for the first marriage of the bride and groom, however, it is also admissible to a widow for her second marriage.
5. Either or both of the bride and groom must belong to Scheduled Castes (including Neo-Buddhists), Vimukta Castes, Nomadic Tribes (including Dhangars and Vanjaris), or Special Backward Classes.

Application Process
Step 1: Step 1: The interested applicant should visit (during office hours) the District Social Welfare Office and request a hard copy of the prescribed format of the application form from the concerned authority.
Offline
Step 1: The interested applicant should visit (during office hours) the District Social Welfare Office and request a hard copy of the prescribed format of the application form from the concerned authority.

Step 2: Step 2: In the application form, fill in all the mandatory fields, paste the passport-sized photograph (signed across, if required), and attach copies of all the mandatory documents (self-attest, if required).
Offline
Step 2: In the application form, fill in all the mandatory fields, paste the passport-sized photograph (signed across, if required), and attach copies of all the mandatory documents (self-attest, if required).

Step 3: Step 3: Submit the duly filled and signed application form along with the documents, within the prescribed period (if any), to the Assistant Commissioner or to the Social Welfare Officer of the District Social Welfare Office.
Offline
Step 3: Submit the duly filled and signed application form along with the documents, within the prescribed period (if any), to the Assistant Commissioner or to the Social Welfare Officer of the District Social Welfare Office.

Step 4: Step 4: Request a receipt or acknowledgement from the concerned authority to whom the application has been submitted. Ensure that the receipt contains essential details such as the date and time of submission, and a unique identification number (i…
Offline
NOTE: Ensure that the application is submitted within the prescribed period, if any.

Required Documents
• Identity Proof (Aadhaar Card, Voter Card, etc.).
• Passport-size Photograph.
• Proof of Residence.
• Ration Card.
• Bank Account Details.
• Proof of Age.
• Marriage Certificate.
• A written affidavit must be submitted by the couple/family, stating that there has been no violation of any section under the Prevention of Child Marriage Act and the Prevention of Dowry Act.
• A caste certificate issued by a competent and authorized officer must be provided.

Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the "Kanyadan Yojana (Vijabhaj)" scheme?
A: This scheme provides financial assistance to economically backward couples belonging to Scheduled Castes, Freed Castes, Nomadic Tribes, and Special Backward Classes for their first marriage.

Q: How much financial assistance is provided under this scheme?
A: A financial assistance of [?]10,000/- is given to the newlywed couple.

Q: Can organizations receive assistance for mass marriage ceremonies?
A: Yes, institutions or organizations organizing mass marriage ceremonies can receive an incentive of [?]2,000/- per couple.

Q: Who is eligible for the financial assistance?
A: The bride and groom must belong to Scheduled Castes, Freed Castes, Nomadic Tribes, or Special Backward Classes. They must also be residents of Maharashtra.

Q: What is the age requirement for the bride and groom?
A: The groom must be at least 21 years old, and the bride must be at least 18 years old.

Q: Is the financial assistance provided for all marriages?
A: No, the grant is only available for the first marriage of the bride and groom, though it can also be provided to widows for their second marriage.

Q: Do both the bride and groom need to belong to the same caste category?
A: No, either or both the bride and groom must belong to the eligible categories (Scheduled Castes, Freed Castes, Nomadic Tribes, or Special Backward Classes).

Q: What documents are required to apply for the scheme?
A: Caste certificates, marriage registration certificates, and a written affidavit must be submitted by the couple.

Q: Is there any income limit to apply for the scheme?
A: The scheme does not specify any income limit, but the assistance is targeted at economically backward families.

Q: What is the procedure for applying for this scheme?
A: Couples need to apply through the concerned district office, submitting the necessary documents and affidavits.