Incentive for Intercaste Marriage Scheme: Eligibility, Benefits, Documents

The Government of NCT of Delhi has an initiative called the Intercaste Marriage Scheme. It comes under the Department for the Welfare of SC/ST/OBC/Minorities. The scheme aims to promote inter-caste marriages as a tool to combat casteism and encourage social integration. A financial incentive is there to motivate couples who are ready to break traditional caste barriers and foster equality. The scheme also ensures that the benefits reach only legally married couples who reside in NCT Delhi, thereby aligning social welfare with legal formalities.

What is the Incentive for the Intercaste Marriage Scheme

The Intercaste Marriage Scheme provides a one-time financial incentive of ₹50,000/- to eligible couples where one spouse belongs to the SC community and the other to a non-SC community. The scheme is centrally supported under the Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955, and the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989.

The primary objectives are:

• To promote inter-caste marriages as a means to reduce caste-based discrimination.
• To provide financial assistance to socially integrated couples.
• To encourage young couples to live together legally and responsibly in NCT Delhi.

The Secretary (DSCST) is the competent authority who authorises the concerned Deputy Commissioner (DC) to disburse the incentive to eligible couples.

Who it Benefits

The scheme specifically benefits:

• Couples where one spouse is from the SC community and the other from a non-SC community.
• Couples who have married legally and have their marriage registered with the Office of the Registrar of Marriages.
• Individuals who are permanent residents of NCT Delhi, or in the case of a non-SC spouse from another state, whose parents have resided in Delhi for at least five years.
• Widows or widowers up to 35 years of age with no children, who enter into an inter-caste marriage.

The scheme openly targets these groups. This way, it encourages social equality and breaks caste barriers. It supports financial independence for couples.

Key Features & Benefits of the Intercaste Marriage Scheme

• Financial Incentive: Eligible couples receive a one-time payment of ₹50,000/-.
• Mode of Disbursement: Funds are released through the Deputy Commissioner as authorised by the Secretary (DSCST).
• Marriage Registration: Only legally registered marriages are considered.
• Proof of Cohabitation: Couples must provide evidence of living together at the time of disbursement.
• Special Provision for Widows/Widowers: Individuals up to 35 years of age with no children can avail the incentive after inter-caste remarriage.
• Centrally Sponsored Scheme: Operates under the Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955, for legal and social backing.
• Application Window: Applications must be submitted within two years of marriage.
• Administrative Oversight: Applications are verified by the SDM (Sub-Divisional Magistrate) and maintained in custody to ensure transparency.

Eligibility Criteria for the Intercaste Marriage Scheme

1. Marriage must be legally registered at the Office of the Registrar of Marriages.
2. Marriage between an SC and a non-SC spouse.
3. Either the husband or the wife should be a permanent resident of NCT Delhi.
4. Non-SC spouse from another state must prove:
   • Their caste is not listed under untouchability in their home state.
   • They follow the Hindu religion.
5. Parents of a non-SC spouse (from another state) must have resided in Delhi for at least five years.
6. The couple must reside in NCT Delhi post-marriage.
7. Proof of cohabitation is mandatory at the time of benefit disbursement.
8. Widows or widowers under 35 years without children can avail an incentive on inter-caste remarriage.

Exclusions

• Marriages between both spouses from SC communities are not eligible.
• Applications submitted after two years from the date of marriage will be rejected.
• Incentive will not be disbursed if proof of cohabitation is not provided.

Documents Required

• Marriage Registration Certificate from Registrar of Marriages.
• Caste certificate. The Deputy Commissioner’s office issues the Caste Certificate.
• Residence proof for either spouse.
• Age proof of both the groom and the bride.
• Income certificate (if applicable).
• ID proofs (Aadhaar, PAN, Voter ID, etc.).
• Joint photograph of the couple.
• Bank details for fund transfer.

All documents must be attested by a Gazetted Officer before submission.

Application Process

Offline Application

1. Visit the Office of the Area SDM to obtain the specific application form.
2. Fill in all mandatory fields
3. Attach required documents
4. Paste a passport-sized photograph
5. Get the completed form attested by a Gazetted Officer.
6. Submit the application along with documents to the authorised staff at the SDM office.
7. Request an acknowledgement receipt confirming the date of submission.

Applications must be submitted within two years of the date of marriage.

Check Status

• Applicants can visit the respective SDM office to check the status of their application.
• The records of all applications are present in the SDM offices, and they provide updates on verification and approval.

Benefit Disbursal

• The Secretary (DSCST) authorises the Deputy Commissioner to release ₹50,000/- to eligible couples.
• Funds are transferred only after:
  • Verification of documents.
  • Confirmation of cohabitation.
• Payment is credited via bank transfer to the couple’s account.

Conclusion

The scheme is a socially significant initiative. The Incentive for Intercaste Marriage Scheme very well promotes caste integration. The couples who are up for breaking traditional barriers get the scheme's support. The scheme encourages young couples to formalise marriages legally and reside together in NCT Delhi by:

• Providing a financial incentive
• Ensuring administrative transparency

Widows and widowers up to 35 years with no children can also benefit from it. This shows that the scheme has a broader social vision.

This initiative is very apt in providing monetary benefits along with social harmony and equality. The scheme serves as an empowerment source under the Delhi government’s social welfare programs.

FAQs on Incentive for Intercaste Marriage Scheme

1. Who is responsible for authorising the incentive?

The Secretary, DSCST, authorises the Deputy Commissioner to disburse funds.

2. Is marriage registration mandatory?

Yes, registration at the Registrar of Marriages is compulsory.

3. Can a widow or widower avail the benefit?

Yes, if under 35 years old and without children, upon inter-caste remarriage.

4. What documents are required?

Marriage certificate, caste certificate, residence proof, age proof, joint photograph, bank details, and ID proofs.

5. For the inter caste marriage 2.5 lakhs how to apply?

Eligible couples can apply for the ₹2.5 lakhs incentive. They will have to submit the application form at their area SDM office within two years of marriage. They will require an attested form by a Gazetted Officer and along with the required documents (marriage certificate, caste certificate, residence proof, age proofs, ID proofs, and bank details). The SDM verifies the application before forwarding it for approval and disbursal of the incentive.

6. How is the incentive disbursed?

Through the Deputy Commissioner, via bank transfer, after verification.

7. Can couples from both SC communities avail the benefit?

No, only SC + non-SC marriages are eligible.

8. What happens if proof of cohabitation is not provided?

Incentive will not be released without cohabitation verification.

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