Marriage Assistance to Person with Disability / BPL

Description
The scheme "Marriage Assistance to Persons with Disability/BPL" was introduced by the Social Welfare & Tribal Affairs Department, Union Territory of Lakshadweep, for the benefit of persons with disabilities differently-abled belonging to the Below Poverty Line BPL category. The scheme aims to support differently-abled brides or bridegrooms from BPL families by providing financial assistance to meet marriage-related expenses and to encourage them to lead a dignified and normal life. Under this scheme, an amount of ₹30,000/- is provided to Scheduled Tribe, differently-abled brides or bridegrooms, and is applicable only for the first marriage.

Benefits
• The scheme provides a financial assistance of ₹30,000/- to differently-abled individuals belonging to the BPL category for their first marriage.

Eligibility Criteria
1. The applicant should be a differently-abled person belonging to the Below Poverty Line (BPL) category.
2. The applicant should furnish a disability certificate indicating at least 40% disability and must possess a valid ration card.
3. The applicant should belong to the Scheduled Tribe category.
4. The family income of the applicant should be below ₹18,000/- per annum, certified by the Deputy Commissioner (DC) or Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) of the respective island.
5. Both spouses should be natives and permanent residents of Lakshadweep/citizens of India.
6. The applicant should not have availed benefits under any similar scheme from the State/Central Government or any other agency.
7. The eligible beneficiary may marry either a differently-abled person or a non-disabled (normal) person.
8. The minimum age requirement is 21 years for the male and 18 years for the female. It should be the first marriage for both individuals.
9. The assistance is applicable only for the applicant’s first marriage.
10. Note: The claim of incentive for marriage allowance will not be claimed as a matter of right.

Required Documents
• Duly attested copy of the marriage registration certificate, issued by the Island Khazi and countersigned by the Amin/SDO/DC of the respective island
• Attested copy of the applicant’s disability certificate (minimum 40% disability)
• Income certificate stating that the family income is below ₹18,000 per annum, certified by the DC/SDO of the respective island
• Two joint passport-size photographs of the couple, duly attested and affixed to the application form
• Proof of address, such as Ration Card, Aadhaar Card, or EPIC (Voter ID) Card
• Age proof of both the bride and groom (e.g., birth certificate, school leaving certificate)
• Self-declaration stating that the applicant has not received marriage assistance from any other government agency (State/Central)
• Any other documents as required

Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the objective of the Marriage Assistance to Person with Disability/BPL scheme?
A: The scheme aims to provide financial assistance to differently-abled individuals from the BPL category to support their marriage expenses.

Q: Who implements this scheme?
A: The scheme is implemented by the Directorate of Social Welfare & Tribal Affairs (SW&TA), UT of Lakshadweep.

Q: How much financial assistance is provided under this scheme?
A: A one-time financial grant of ₹30,000/- is provided to eligible beneficiaries.

Q: Who is eligible to apply for this scheme?
A: The applicant must be a differently-abled individual belonging to the BPL category and entering their first marriage.

Q: What percentage of disability is required to qualify for the scheme?
A: The applicant must have a minimum of 40% disability, as certified by a disability certificate.

Q: Is there any income limit for eligibility?
A: Yes, the family income of the applicant should be below ₹18,000/- per year, certified by the DC/SDO of the respective island.

Q: What are the age requirements for eligibility?
A: The minimum age for eligibility is 21 years for males and 18 years for females

Q: Can the applicant apply if they have already availed benefits from a similar scheme?
A: No, the applicant should not have availed benefits under a similar scheme from the state/central government or any other agency.

Q: Do both spouses need to be from Lakshadweep to be eligible?
A: Yes, both spouses should be natives of Lakshadweep and permanent residents of Lakshadweep/citizens of India.

Q: What is the deadline for applying for assistance?
A: The applicant can apply within 30 days from the date of marriage, and the incentive is applicable up to one year from the date of marriage.

Q: Where can an eligible applicant obtain the application form?
A: The eligible couples may collect the application form from the office of the Director (SW&TA) of their respective island.

Q: What documents are required to apply?
A: The applicant must provide a disability certificate (minimum 40%), a ration card, proof of BPL category, and an income certificate from the DC/SDO.

Q: What happens if an applicant fails to apply within 30 days of marriage?
A: The applicant still has up to one year from the date of marriage to apply for the scheme.

Q: Will the assistance be given in cash or through a bank transfer?
A: The assistance will be provided through a direct bank transfer to the beneficiary's account.

Q: What if an applicant does not have a bank account?
A: The applicant must have a bank account, as the assistance is disbursed through direct bank transfer.