Government to Provide ₹5 Lakh for Inter-Caste Marriage: Here’s How to Claim the Funds
Inter-Caste Marriage Grant: The central government and various state governments provide financial assistance ranging from ₹50,000 to ₹5 lakh to couples entering into inter-caste marriages. Learn about the required documents, application process, and state-specific schemes.
Inter-Caste Marriage Incentive: To eliminate caste-based discrimination, the Government of India and other governments are providing financial aid ranging from ₹50,000 to ₹5 lakh to couples in inter-caste marriages. Let us explore the rules, eligibility criteria, and the complete application process for the central government’s Dr. Ambedkar Scheme and various state-level schemes.
The Government of India and several state governments are taking significant steps to promote social harmony and eradicate caste-based discrimination across the country. Under this scheme, an incentive amount ranging from ₹50,000 to ₹5 lakh is provided to individuals entering into inter-caste marriages.
If you or someone you know has entered into an inter-caste marriage, you can avail the benefits of these government schemes. Learn about the key schemes offered by central and state governments, eligibility conditions, and the complete application process.
Dr. Ambedkar Social Integration Scheme
The Dr. Ambedkar Scheme is implemented at the national level by the Dr. Ambedkar Foundation under the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. Under this scheme, eligible beneficiaries receive an amount of ₹2.5 lakh directly into their bank accounts. The primary objective of the scheme is to provide financial assistance to couples in inter-caste marriages.
Eligibility Conditions
The benefits of this scheme are available only if one spouse belongs to a Scheduled Caste (SC), while the other belongs to a non-Scheduled Caste category (i.e., General or OBC). It must be the first marriage for both individuals. The marriage must be legally registered under the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955, or the Special Marriage Act. To avail the benefits, the couple must apply within one year of the official date of marriage.
State-Specific Inter-Caste Marriage Schemes
If you do not meet the criteria for the central scheme or the application deadline has passed, you can avail of independent incentive schemes run by various state governments. You can apply under these state schemes to receive financial assistance.
Details of schemes offered by different states are provided below:
| State | Scheme Name | Incentive Amount | Application Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rajasthan | Dr. Savita Ben Ambedkar Scheme | ₹5,00,000 (up to ₹5 lakh) | Within 1 year of marriage |
| Karnataka | Inter-caste Marriage Couple Incentive | ₹2.5 lakh (SC husband) & ₹3 lakh (SC wife) | Within 1.5 years (18 months) |
| Madhya Pradesh | Inter-caste Marriage Incentive Scheme | ₹2 lakh | Within 1 year of marriage |
| Delhi | Incentive for Inter-caste Marriage | ₹50,000 | Within 2 years of marriage |
| Maharashtra | Incentive for Inter-caste Marriage | ₹50,000 | Within 1 year of marriage |
| Tamil Nadu | Dr. Muthulakshmi Reddy Scheme | ₹50,000 + 8-gram gold coin | Before the first child turns 3 years old |
| Odisha | Sumangala Scheme | ₹2.5 lakh | Within 1 year of marriage |
General Eligibility for State Schemes
The bride must be at least 18 years old, and the groom must be at least 21 years old.
An official marriage certificate issued by the Marriage Registrar’s office is mandatory.
In some states, such as Karnataka, a ceiling on the couple’s combined annual income (e.g., less than ₹5 lakhs) has been set.
Documents Required for Application
Marriage registration certificate
Aadhaar card and age proof
Caste certificate issued by a competent officer (e.g., Tehsildar or SDM)
Domicile certificate
Joint passport-sized photograph of the couple
Joint bank account passbook
Most states now offer digital application facilities; you can fill out the form online by visiting your state’s social welfare portal. Alternatively, applications can also be submitted offline. To do this, you can visit your nearest SDM office or the District Social Welfare Officer’s office and submit a physical form. Subsequently, once the officials have verified the documents, the incentive amount is transferred directly to your joint bank account via DBT.
