The Inter Caste Marriage Incentive Scheme is provided by the Government of Karnataka through the Social Welfare Department to promote intermarriages between the Scheduled Caste (SC) members and members of other Hindu populations. The project will help to overcome the social barriers of caste system, discrimination, and promote social harmony.
This financial assistance especially goes to the SC people who decide to marry beyond their caste so that social and economic problems will not hinder such marriages.
Key Benefits of the Scheme
The incentive is given to the couple per se once the marriage has occurred. This figure depends on whether the SC spouse is a man or a woman.
Incentive Amounts:
| Applicant Category | Incentive Amount |
|---|---|
| SC Groom marrying a non-SC Bride | ₹2,50,000 |
| SC Bride marrying a non-SC Groom | ₹3,00,000 |
Disbursement Method:
- 50% of the amount is given as direct cash transfer.
- 50% is deposited as a Fixed Deposit with a minimum lock-in period of 3 years, helping ensure financial stability in the initial years of marriage.
Eligibility Criteria
In order to enjoy the privileges of the Karnataka Inter Caste Marriage Incentive Scheme, the couple should follow the following requirements:
- Both the bride and groom must be Hindu.
- Either the bride or groom must belong to the Scheduled Caste category.
- The marriage must be between SC and a non-SC community.
- The combined annual income of the couple must not exceed ₹5,00,000.
- The couple must be residents of Karnataka.
- Age Requirements:
- Bride: 18 to 42 years
- Groom: 21 to 45 years
- The marriage must be legally registered, and proof must be provided.
Documents Required
Applicants must upload the following documents during the application process:
- Aadhaar Card of both partners
- Caste Certificate
- Income Certificate
- Marriage Certificate
- Marriage Proof (photos of marriage ceremony)
- Joint Bank Account details
How to Apply Online
You can apply for the scheme online through the Karnataka Social Welfare Department portal.
Step-by-Step Process:
- Visit the official Karnataka Social Welfare Department website.
- Navigate to the “Incentives to Marriages” section.
- Select “Incentives for Inter-caste Marriages” and click Register.
- Use your Aadhaar number to register and fill in all required details.
- Upload the necessary documents.
- Submit the application and download/print the acknowledgement receipt.
- The department will conduct a spot verification to confirm the validity of the information.
- Upon successful verification, the incentive amount will be credited to the couple’s joint bank account.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the incentive amount for SC men marrying outside their caste?
SC men receive ₹2,50,000 under this scheme.
2. How much incentive do SC women receive when marrying outside their caste?
SC women receive ₹3,00,000.
3. How is the incentive amount provided?
Part of 50% is made in cash and the remaining 50% in form of a fixed deposit of at least 3 years.
4. Does the couple need to be Hindu?
Yes, they both should be members of the Hindu religion.
5. Is residency in Karnataka mandatory?
Yes, both the couple should be the citizens of Karnataka to apply.
6. What happens after the application is submitted?
The department authenticates the information. In case of acceptance, it is deposited in the joint bank account of the couple.
Conclusion
The Karnataka Inter Caste Marriage Incentive Scheme is a worthy cause towards ensuring social equality and integration. The scheme helps in alleviating the financial difficulty and providing state assistance to couples so that they can make a decision grounded on love and compatibility than caste barriers.
Couples that meet the selection criteria are urged to apply online and enjoy this favourable state programme.