The Tamil Nadu government has been leading the Dr Ambedkar Inter-Caste Marriage Scheme in a beautiful move towards social harmony. In case you are a couple who have undertaken an inter-caste marriage trip, then this project is meant to help you both socially and financially.
Introduced under the vision of the late Dr B.R. Ambedkar, this scheme does not only make wedding costs lighter. It is also a campaigner of social integration and it opposes caste-based discrimination. It can be considered a gift of congratulations as well as a strong background to your new life as a family.
This is the ultimate guide that will take you through all the details that you should know including the attractive financial rewards and eligibility requirements and the easy means of application.
At a Glance: Dr Ambedkar Inter-Caste Marriage Scheme
| Scheme Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Name of Scheme | Dr Ambedkar Inter-Caste Marriage Scheme Tamil Nadu |
| Launched By | Government of Tamil Nadu |
| Beneficiaries | Inter-caste married couples of Tamil Nadu |
| Primary Objective | To provide financial assistance and promote social equality |
| Financial Incentive | ₹2.5 Lakh (from Central Government) |
| Official Portal | Ambedkar Foundation Portal |
The Vision: More Than Just Financial Aid
The essence of this scheme is two-fold. To begin with, it offers great financial support to assist families to cover the wedding ceremony expenses. This gives couples, particularly those who are underprivileged a chance to begin married life without being in debt.
Secondly, (and possibly deeper), it promotes social solidarity. The government hopes to eliminate some of the old social barriers through an incentive on inter-caste marriages, and create a more modern and integrated Tamil Nadu. It is an effective protest in favor of love and equality.
Who is Eligible to Apply?
Before you apply, ensure you and your partner meet the following criteria:
- Residency: You have to be a permanent resident of Tamil Nadu.
- Marital Status: This should be the first marriage that both partners get. The advantage does not apply in case either of the partners is a remarried person.
- Age: Both the groom and the bride should be at least 21 years old during the time of marriage, and the bride must be in her 18 th year.
- Income: Family income should not exceed ₹72000 a year.
- Education: Minimum education is a 10 th pass. In the case of Scheduled Tribes (ST), pass in Class 5 is required.
What Are the Benefits?
The scheme offers a substantial incentive to eligible couples:
- Financial Grant: Selected couples will receive a total of ₹2.5 Lakh from the central government.
- Instalment Plan: This amount is typically disbursed in two separate instalments to ensure sustained support.
- Social Empowerment: Beyond the money, being part of this scheme is a celebration of your choice, contributing to a broader social movement against caste discrimination.
Documents You’ll Need to Prepare
Gather these essential documents for a smooth application process:
- Aadhaar Card
- Tamil Nadu Residence Certificate
- Class 10th (or Class 5th for ST) Mark Sheet
- Passport-sized Photographs
- Valid Mobile Number & Email ID
- Income Certificate
- Caste Certificate for both partners
- Ration Card
- Marriage Certificate (if already married)
How to Apply: A Step-by-Step Guide
The application process is offline and straightforward. Here’s how you can apply:
- Visit Your Local Office: Go to your nearest District Social Welfare Office.
- Request an Application Form: Ask for the application form for the Dr Ambedkar Inter-Caste Marriage Scheme.
- Fill in the Form Carefully: Complete the form with accurate personal and marital details. Double-check for any errors to avoid delays.
- Attach Required Documents: Submit the form along with self-attested copies of all the necessary documents listed above.
- Submit Your Application: Hand over the complete application packet to the Social Welfare Officer.
- Verification Process: The office will verify all the submitted information and documents. Once everything is confirmed, your application will be processed for approval.
Your Questions Answered (FAQs)
Q: What is the main purpose of the Dr Ambedkar Inter-Caste Marriage Scheme?
A: The scheme will offer financial assistance to alleviate the financial load of wedding expenditures to couples of inter-caste unions, and at the same time, facilitate social equality and eliminate caste-based discrimination.
Q: How much financial assistance is provided?
A: Financial grant of 2.5 Lakh of funds are provided to eligible couples to assist in their new life.
Q: Can I apply if this is my second marriage?
A: No, this scheme only applies to first marriage between both of them.
Disclaimer: Information given here is only informational, depending on schemes provided. The official Ambedkar Foundation Portal should always be consulted or the Tamil Nadu Social Welfare Department to determine the most up-to-date and exact information.