Dr Ambedkar Foundation Marriage Scheme: In 2013, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially launched the Dr Ambedkar Foundation Marriage Scheme for Social Integration of Inter Caste Marriages. This program was introduced to his ministers, and it is managed by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment. The Ministry, along with the head of the Dr. Ambedkar Foundation, oversees all operations and must approve any changes to the scheme’s features or the process for selecting beneficiaries.
For more detailed information about the Dr. Ambedkar Foundation Marriage Scheme, read below.
What is the Dr Ambedkar Foundation Marriage Scheme?
The Dr. Ambedkar Foundation Marriage Scheme is designed to promote inter-caste marriages involving Dalits. The Central Government offers an incentive of Rs. 2.5 lakhs to every couple where one partner is a Dalit. Previously, this scheme was only for couples with an annual income below Rs. 5 lakhs. However, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has removed this income requirement. Now, all couples where one partner is a Dalit can receive the one-time incentive of Rs. 2.5 lakhs.
Additionally, several states have similar schemes without any income limits. These schemes aim to support and encourage couples who choose to marry outside their caste, especially when one partner is a Dalit. This support helps couples who face social stigma, particularly in the early stages of their marriage.
Dr Ambedkar Foundation Marriage Scheme Details
| Scheme Name | Dr Ambedkar Scheme for Social Integration through Inter Caste Marriages |
|---|---|
| Relevant Department | Social Justice and Empowerment Department |
| Launch of Plan | 2013 |
| Beneficiary | Interracial couple |
| Objective | Encouraging inter-caste marriages and removing societal prejudice |
| Launch by | PM Narendra Modi |
| Country | India |
| Application Process | Online/Offline |
| Official Website | Dr Ambedkar Foundation |
Dr Ambedkar Foundation Marriage Scheme 2024
The Central Government has introduced the Dr. Ambedkar Foundation Marriage Scheme 2024 to encourage inter-caste marriages involving Dalits. This scheme provides Rs. 2.5 lakhs to any couple where one partner is a Dalit, regardless of their annual income. Previously, this incentive was only available to couples with an annual income of less than Rs. 5 lakhs.
To further promote inter-caste marriages, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has removed the income limit, allowing all eligible couples to receive the one-time incentive of Rs. 2.5 lakhs. Additionally, some state governments have introduced similar programs without any income restrictions to support and assist couples who courageously enter into inter-caste marriages despite social challenges, particularly in the early stages of their marriage.
Objective Dr Ambedkar Foundation Marriage Scheme
The main goal of the Dr. Ambedkar Foundation Marriage Scheme is to support and celebrate those who choose to marry outside their caste. To encourage such intercaste marriages, the government offers financial help to the newlyweds, assisting them as they start their lives together. This scheme aims to promote social unity and equality among all people. Additionally, the Dr. Ambedkar Scheme complements other programs focused on job creation and poverty reduction.
Benefits & Features of Dr Ambedkar Foundation Marriage Scheme
- Promoting Equality: Encourages marriages between people from different castes to reduce caste discrimination.
- Financial Support: Helps couples facing family rejection by providing financial assistance for their marriage.
- Government Funding: The central government funds the program, with each state receiving money for implementation.
- Equality Focus: Aims to eliminate caste prejudices and ensure fairness for everyone.
- Beneficiary Selection: 500 couples chosen based on the percentage of Scheduled Caste (SC) population in each area.
- Grant Amount: Selected couples can receive Rs. 2.50 lakhs in two installments from the government.
- Pilot Duration: Initially, the scheme runs for two years as a trial before potentially becoming permanent.
- Implementation: District authorities handle wedding arrangements and disbursement of grant money.
Eligibility Criteria for Dr Ambedkar Foundation Marriage Scheme
- The scheme supports marriages where one partner is from a Scheduled Caste and the other is from a Non-Scheduled Caste.
- The marriage needs to be legally registered under the Hindu Marriage Act of 1955. The couple should provide a document confirming their marital status.
- Only first marriages are eligible for benefits; second or subsequent marriages are not covered.
- The application must be submitted within one year of the marriage to be considered.
- Approval for the incentive is decided by the Minister of Social Justice & Empowerment and the Chairman of Dr. Ambedkar Foundation.
- Providing false information is against the law and can lead to punishment.
Required Documents for Dr Ambedkar Foundation Marriage Scheme
- Both bride and groom need to fill out the application form with their names and attach photocopies of ID cards like Aadhar, ration card, driver’s license, voter card, or PAN card.
- They must also provide copies of their residential certificates to show where they live.
- Both must have caste certificates, with at least one being from the SC category, to promote caste equality.
- Proof of age for both is needed to ensure they’re of legal age for marriage.
- Income certificates from the local authority are required to show eligibility based on income. If both work, they need separate certificates.
- They should prove it’s their first marriage with relevant documents.
- The application must be made within a year of marriage, with the marriage certificate attached.
- They need details of a joint bank account for the grant to be deposited, including bank name, branch, account number, branch code, and IFSC code.
- Recommendation letters are needed from the MP, MLA, Chairman of the Social Welfare Department, or District Collector.
How to Apply for Dr Ambedkar Foundation Marriage Scheme
Sure, here are the points rewritten in simple, easy-to-read format:
- Applications for the Dr. Ambedkar Foundation Marriage Scheme should be submitted directly to the foundation.
- Along with the application, a recommendation from a current member of parliament or legislative assembly is required.
- The application must also include a recommendation from the state government or district administration.
- Once the application is complete, it is forwarded to both the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and the Chairman of the Dr. Ambedkar Foundation for review.
- Upon approval, the full amount of Rs 2.50 lakhs will be transferred to the recipient using Real Time Gross Settlement (RTGS).
Contact Details for Dr Ambedkar Foundation Marriage Scheme
- Address: Shri Bharat Lal Meena, Director Room No. 637, A-Wing, Shastri Bhawan, New Delhi – 110001
FAQs
Can both spouses be from the same category?
No, one of the partners must be from the Scheduled Caste group, while the other should belong to a different category.
Who started the Dr. Ambedkar Foundation Marriage Scheme?
The Dr. Ambedkar Foundation Marriage Scheme was introduced by the Indian Prime Minister, Mr. Narendra Modi.
Which state gives 10 Lakh for Inter-Caste Marriage?
In the state of Rajasthan, a sum of 10 lakh is provided for inter caste marriages.