About the Odisha Inter-Caste Marriage Scheme
The Odisha government has introduced the Odisha Inter Caste Marriage Scheme 2023 to promote social equality and unity among people. Those couples who marry within the Hindu religion, but from different castes, are eligible to receive up to 2.5 Lakhs in financial aid. This scheme can be accessed through the Sumangal portal.
Objectives of the Scheme
The main objectives of the Odisha Inter Caste Marriage Scheme 2023 are:
- Promoting Social Integration: The scheme seeks to eliminate caste-based discrimination and untouchability, fostering a more inclusive and harmonious society.
- Encouraging Inter-Caste Marriages: By providing financial incentives, the scheme aims to motivate couples to marry outside their caste, contributing to the breakdown of caste barriers.
Full Overview Of The Odisha Inter Caste Marriage Scheme Scheme
| Scheme Name | Odisha Inter Caste Marriage Scheme |
|---|---|
| Announcement | Govt Of Odisha |
| State Name | Odisha |
| Implementation | Updated On 2023 |
| Objectives | Promote social equality through inter-caste marriages |
| Incentive | Up to 2.5 Lakhs |
| Beneficiaries | Couples of different castes within the Hindu community |
| Application Starts | Always Open |
| Process | Online Registration |
| Official Website | sumangal.odisha.gov.in |
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the scheme, couples must fulfill the following criteria:
- Couples from different castes (caste Hindus and Scheduled Castes) in the Hindu community can get a grant for their marriage if it’s legally valid and registered under the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955.
- Both partners must be Indian citizens and permanent residents of Odisha, following the Hindu religion.
- At least one partner must belong to the Scheduled Castes as defined by Article 341 of the Indian Constitution.
- The grant can be used to buy land, essential household items, or start a business.
- The grant is only given once, except in cases where one partner is a widow or widower, as long as it’s mentioned in the marriage certificate.
- The grant is available only for marriages that occur after the government’s resolution is issued.
- There’s no grant for second or subsequent marriages.
Benefits of the Scheme
The benefits offered by the Odisha Inter Caste Marriage Scheme 2023 include:
- Financial Incentive: Eligible couples can receive a financial grant of up to 2.5 Lakhs to support their inter-caste marriage.
- Social Equality: The scheme aims to reduce caste-based discrimination and encourage societal integration.
- Legal Support: The government provides legal recognition and support to inter-caste marriages through this initiative.
Required Documents
Applicants need to submit the following documents for scheme registration:
- Scanned copy of Marriage Registration Certificate
- Scanned copy of Caste Certificates of both spouses
- Joint Photograph of the couple
- Scanned copy of duly signed Declaration forms (Annexure II and Annexure IV)
- Scanned copy of joint bank Passbook
Application Process
The application process for the Odisha Inter Caste Marriage Scheme involves the following steps:
- Prepare Required Documents: Ensure you have all necessary documents, including the Declaration forms.
- Visit the Official Website: Go to sumangal.odisha.gov.in.
- Register or Log In: If new, register with required details. If registered, log in using your credentials.
- Complete Application: Fill in personal details, address, bank information, and marriage-related information.
- Upload Documents: Upload scanned copies of required documents.
- Submit Application: Review and submit the application.
- Allotment of Incentive: Upon successful registration, the incentive will be deposited into the joint bank account of the couple within about two months.
Additional tips:
- Contact the District Welfare Officer (DWO) of your district for the latest information and application forms.