Incentive given to Encourage Inter caste Marriages

Description
The "Incentive for Encouraging Inter-Caste Marriages" scheme is implemented by the Department of Social Justice & Special Assistance, Government of Maharashtra, and funded jointly by the State and Central Government 50:50 . The scheme provides financial incentives to support inter-caste marriages between Savarna Hindus including Hindu, Jain, Lingayat, and Sikh communities and individuals from Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Nomadic Tribes, Nomadic Castes, and Special Backward Classes. The scheme promotes social harmony and aims to eradicate untouchability. The bride as well as the bridegroom should be permanent residents of Maharashtra.

Benefits
• A financial assistance of ₹50,000/- issued as a joint draft in the names of both spouses.

Eligibility Criteria
1. The bride as well as the bridegroom should be permanent residents of Maharashtra.
2. One spouse must belong to the Savarna, Hindu Lingayat, Jain, or Sikh community.
3. One spouse must belong to one of the following communities: Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe, Vimukta Jati (denoted tribe), Nomadic Tribe, and Special Backward Class.
4. The male spouse should be 21 years or above in age.
5. The female spouse should be 18 years or above in age.

Application Process
Step 1: Step 1: The interested applicant should visit (during office hours) the concerned District Social Welfare Office (or the Social Welfare Office in Chembur if the applicant is in Mumbai City or Mumbai Suburbs) and request a hard copy of the prescrib…
Offline
Step 1: The interested applicant should visit (during office hours) the concerned District Social Welfare Office (or the Social Welfare Office in Chembur if the applicant is in Mumbai City or Mumbai Suburbs) 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 concerned authority.
Offline
Step 3: Submit the duly filled and signed application form along with the documents, within the prescribed period (if any), to the concerned authority.

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
• Application Form
• Caste Certificates
• Permanent Resident Proof
• Age Proof – School leaving certificates showing the groom is at least 21 years old and the bride is at least 18 years old.
• Joint Photograph – A recent photograph of the couple together.
• Recommendation Letters – Two letters from respected individuals attesting to the marriage.
• Bank Details – Joint bank account details in both spouses’ names.
• ID Proofs – Government-issued ID proof for both applicants (e.g., Aadhar card, Voter ID).
• Income Certificate – Income proof if applicable (to meet any scheme-specific income criteria).
• Acknowledgment Receipt – To be received from the office upon submission.

Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the purpose of the scheme?
A: To encourage inter-caste marriages and promote social harmony in Maharashtra.

Q: Who funds this scheme?
A: It is funded jointly by the State and Central Government (50:50).

Q: Who is eligible for this scheme?
A: Couples where one partner belongs to SC/ST/VJ/NT/SBC communities and the other to a Savarna Hindu, Lingayat, Jain, or Sikh community.

Q: Is residency in Maharashtra required?
A: Yes, the couple must be permanent residents of Maharashtra.

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

Q: What documents are needed?
A: Caste certificates, marriage certificate, age proof, and a joint photo of the couple, among others.

Q: How much financial assistance is provided?
A: [?]50,000 is provided as a combined draft in both spouses' names.

Q: Where should the application be submitted?
A: At the District Social Welfare Office or the Social Welfare Office in Mumbai for relevant regions.

Q: Do both partners need to provide caste certificates?
A: Yes, both partners should submit their caste certificates to establish eligibility.