The Government of Andhra Pradesh has led in championing Intercaste Marriage Scheme as a strong gesture of promoting social harmony and to support couples. This initiative is meant to suit you in case you are intending to marry an individual of a different caste but are fearful of the economic strain or societal barriers.
The scheme offers large financial coverage to enable couples belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Backward Classes (BC), Minorities, and the differently-abled groups. The idea is straightforward, to promote intercaste marriages and offer the fiscal basis of happy dignified beginning to the married coexistence.
You are all set to know how you can benefit. This guide is very detailed and will guide you through it.
At a Glance: Andhra Pradesh Intercaste Marriage Scheme
| Scheme Name | Andhra Pradesh Intercaste Marriage Scheme (under YSR Kalyanamasthu/Shadi Tohfa) |
|---|---|
| Launched By | Government of Andhra Pradesh |
| Primary Benefit | Financial grant for marriage expenses |
| Main Objective | Promote social equality and support intercaste marriages |
| Key Beneficiaries | SC, ST, BC, Minorities, and differently-abled individuals |
| Official Portal | Navasakam (NBM) Portal |
Aims of the Scheme: More Than Just Financial Aid
Andhra Pradesh Intercaste marriage Scheme is not only a money scheme but a social progress scheme. Its core objectives are:
- To Advance the Cause of social Equality: The scheme would encourage the intercaste marriages by incentivizing them to break the barriers which were present in the society and caste based discrimination.
- To Provide Financial Dignity: Marriage expenses can be a significant burden. This grant ensures that financial constraints don’t stand in the way of a couple’s happiness.
- To Empower Marginalised Communities: It specifically covers the individuals of SC, ST, BC and Minorities and gives them the right and equality they are entitled to.
Financial Incentives: What Can You Receive?
The financial aid will be graded to give additional encouragement to the most marginalised communities and to actively promote intercaste unions. The 2025 grant plan will be as follows:
| Category | Financial Assistance (in ₹) |
|---|---|
| Scheduled Caste (SC) | 1,00,000 |
| Scheduled Caste (Intercaste) | 1,20,000 |
| Scheduled Tribe (ST) | 1,00,000 |
| Scheduled Tribe (Intercaste) | 1,20,000 |
| Backward Classes (BC) | 50,000 |
| Backward Classes (Intercaste) | 75,000 |
| Minorities | 1,00,000 |
| Differently Abled | 1,50,000 |
Note: As you can see, intercaste marriages receive a significantly higher grant across all categories.
Who is Eligible to Apply?
In order to be eligible in the scheme, the applicants should have the following criteria:
- Age: The bride must be at least 18 years old, and the groom must be at least 21 years old at the time of marriage.
- Educational Qualification: At least one member of the couple must have passed the SSC (10th class) or equivalent examination.
- Income Limit: The combined annual family income should not exceed:
- ₹ 10,000 per month for rural areas.
- ₹ 12,000 per month for urban areas.
- Landholding: The family should own less than 3 acres of wetland or 10 acres of dryland.
- Government Employment: The children of government employees are not eligible.
- Other Criteria: The family should not be availing of any other government pension, and their electricity consumption should be below 300 units per month.
Documents You’ll Need to Arrange
Having your documents ready will make the application process smooth. You will typically need:
- Proof of Age (Birth Certificate, School Leaving Certificate)
- Income Certificate
- Caste Certificate
- 10th Class Marksheet & Certificate (as proof of education)
- Marriage Certificate
- Passport-sized Photographs of the couple
- A recent Electricity Bill (as proof of residence)
- Bank Account Details
- A active Mobile Number (for registration and communication)
Step-by-Step Guide to Apply Online
The government has made applying for the scheme straightforward through the Navasakam portal.
- Visit the Portal: Go to the official Navasakam (NBM) website.
- Select the Scheme: On the homepage, look for and click on the “YSR Kalyanamasthu Scheme” link.
- Fill the Application: This will open the online application form. Carefully fill in all the required details about the bride and groom.
- Submit for Verification: Once you’ve completed the form, submit it. It will then be forwarded to the relevant government official for verification.
- Receive the Grant: After successful verification, a list of approved beneficiaries is published. The funds are then transferred to the respective social welfare departments for distribution.
The Verification Process: What to Expect
After you submit your application, a field verification officer (Ward Welfare and Development Secretary) will visit to confirm your details. This usually involves:
- A visit to the bride’s residence to verify the marriage and documents.
- Speaking with neighbours to confirm the couple’s residence.
- Taking a selfie with the bride and groom as modern proof of the union.
How to Apply Offline
If you prefer to apply in person, you can do so within 60 days after your marriage.
- Visit your local MeeSeva centre or the relevant Social Welfare Department office.
- Collect and submit the physical application form along with all attested document copies.
- The department will then process your application and, upon approval, disburse the funds.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is the main purpose of the AP Intercaste Marriage Scheme?
The primary idea is that it offers financial assistance and promotes inter-caste marriages, which will allow to decrease social inequality and help couples with weaker economic backgrounds.
Q2: How much money will I receive for an intercaste marriage if I am from a Backward Class (BC)?
On intercaste marriage, when you are of the Backward Classes (BC) you will receive an extra grant of ₹75,000.
Q3: Is there a time limit for applying after the marriage?
Yes, in both online and offline use, you have to apply within a 60-day time frame of your marriage.
Q4: Where can I check my application status?
On the official Navasakam portal, you can enquire about the status of your application or call the helpline numbers that are placed on the site.
Disclaimer: This is just informational. Although we aim at being precise, the official instruction and data about the Government of Andhra Pradesh on the portal of Navasakam is the official word. We suggest checking up all information there and applying.