Launched in 2013 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Dr. Ambedkar Foundation Marriage Scheme for Social Integration’s Inter-Caste Marriages program aims to encourage inter-caste marriages by providing financial incentives to couples. The Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment https://socialjustice.gov.in/ oversees this initiative, and any modifications to the scheme require approval from the Dr. Ambedkar Foundation and the ministry.
Overview of Dr. Ambedkar Foundation Marriage Scheme
The Central Government offers a financial incentive of Rs. 2.5 lakhs to couples where one partner belongs to the Dalit community. Initially, this scheme was available only to couples with an annual income of less than Rs. 5 lakhs. The program has since been expanded to include all couples, irrespective of their economic status, aiming to promote social integration and equality by supporting inter-caste marriages.
Objectives of the Dr. Ambedkar Foundation Marriage Scheme
The main objectives of the Dr. Ambedkar Foundation Marriage Scheme are:
- Promoting Social Integration: Encouraging marriages beyond caste boundaries.
- Providing Financial Support: Assisting couples in their early years of marriage.
- Enhancing Social Equality: Reducing caste-based prejudices and promoting equal treatment for all.
Features & Benefits of the Dr. Ambedkar Foundation Marriage Scheme
Key features and benefits include:
- Incentive Amount: A one-time reward of Rs. 2.50 lakhs for legally recognized inter-caste marriages.
- Payment Schedule: Disbursement in two installments – 50% initially and the remaining 50% after five years.
- Support for 500 Couples: Annual support for up to 500 marriages, with allocation based on the population share of Scheduled Castes (SC) in each state.
- District-Level Implementation: District authorities organize formal wedding ceremonies and allocate grant funds.
- Eliminating Financial Hardship: Providing financial stability for couples in the early years of their marriage.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- One partner must belong to the Scheduled Caste community, and the other to a different caste.
- Legally required marriage documents must be submitted within a year of marriage.
- The marriage must be registered under the Hindu Marriage Act.
- Couples must not have a combined annual income exceeding Rs. 5 lakhs (economic threshold recently removed).
- The marriage must be the first for both spouses.
- Couples must not have previously received an incentive from another state or university.
Required Documents for Dr. Ambedkar Foundation Marriage Scheme
Applicants need to provide:
- Proof that one partner belongs to the Scheduled Caste community.
- Caste certificates for both bride and groom.
- Legally registered marriage certificate.
- Income certificates issued by the relevant authority.
- Declaration that it is the first marriage for both spouses.
Application Process
- Submission: Complete applications should be sent to the Dr. Ambedkar Foundation, with recommendations from a sitting member of parliament or legislative assembly.
- Approval: Applications must include recommendations from the state government or district administration before being forwarded to the foundation.
- Processing: Approved applications are processed by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
- Disbursement: The total incentive amount of Rs. 2.50 lakhs is transferred to the recipient through Real Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) upon approval.
Contact Details of Dr. Ambedkar Foundation Marriage Scheme
For further information or queries related to the Dr. Ambedkar Foundation Marriage Scheme, contact:
Address:
Shri Bharat Lal Meena, Director
Room No. 637, A-Wing, Shastri Bhawan,
New Delhi – 110001
The Dr. Ambedkar Foundation Marriage Scheme is a significant initiative to promote social integration and equality in India. By providing financial incentives for inter-caste marriages, the scheme encourages couples to break social barriers and fosters a more inclusive society. This initiative not only supports couples financially but also aims to eradicate caste-related prejudices, promoting a more egalitarian community.
Dr. Ambedkar Foundation Marriage Scheme FAQs:
What is the Dr. Ambedkar Foundation Marriage Scheme?
The Dr. Ambedkar Foundation Marriage Scheme is a government initiative aimed at promoting social integration by encouraging inter-caste marriages. It provides financial incentives to couples where one partner belongs to the Scheduled Caste community.
Who is eligible for the Dr. Ambedkar Foundation Marriage Scheme?
To be eligible, couples must have one partner from the Scheduled Caste community and the other from a different caste. The marriage must be legally registered under the Hindu Marriage Act, and the application must be submitted within a year of the marriage.
How much financial incentive is provided under the scheme?
The scheme offers a financial incentive of Rs. 2.5 lakhs to eligible couples. This amount is disbursed in two installments: 50% initially and the remaining 50% after five years.
Are there any income criteria for eligibility?
Previously, the scheme was limited to couples with an annual income of less than Rs. 5 lakhs. However, the economic threshold has been removed, and now all couples, regardless of their income, are eligible.
How many couples are supported by the scheme each year?
The scheme supports up to 500 marriages per year. The selection is based on the population share of Scheduled Castes in each state according to the 2011 Census.
What documents are required to apply for the scheme?
Applicants need to provide proof that one partner belongs to the Scheduled Caste community, caste certificates for both partners, a legally registered marriage certificate, income certificates, and a declaration that it is the first marriage for both spouses.
What is the process for applying to the scheme?
Applicants must submit their applications to the Dr. Ambedkar Foundation, accompanied by recommendations from a sitting member of parliament or legislative assembly. The application must also include recommendations from the state government or district administration before being forwarded to the foundation.
How is the financial incentive disbursed to the couples?
The incentive amount is transferred to the recipients through Real Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) in two installments: 50% initially and the remaining 50% after five years.
Can couples who have previously received a similar incentive from another state or university apply for this scheme?
No, couples who have previously received a similar incentive from another state or university are not eligible for this scheme.
Who can be contacted for more information or queries regarding the scheme?
For further details or queries, you can contact Shri Bharat Lal Meena, Director, at the following address: Room No. 637, A-Wing, Shastri Bhawan, New Delhi – 110001.
