Also, many states have similar schemes without the limit over income. The scheme started with the intention of helping and supporting couples in the initial stage of their marriage life, who have taken a bold step by breaking the social stigma.
The Rajasthan Government was the first govt to provide incentives under the Dr. Savita Ben Ambedkar Inter- caste Marriage Scheme in the year 2006, to the couples who have ignored the social differences. Initially, the incentive provided was Rs 50000, which has now reached an amount of Rs 2 lakhs.
However, later the govt of Rajasthan put a few conditions to curb the increase in the number of fake marriages and divorces under the fake marriages. The government conditioned that the couple shall be entitled to only half the incentive money, and the remaining amount shall be deposited in a fixed deposit and could be claimed after 8 years of marriage only.
The central government’s schemes in order to avail the incentive provide that, the marriage shall be first for both parties, as well as they shall register their marriage under the Hindu Marriage Act, and the application has to be filed within a year of marriage. Also the couple need to submit their Aadhaar Numbers and details of their Aadhar linked Joint bank Account.
Eligibility Criteria-
- One of the spouses shall belong to the scheduled caste and the other from the general caste.
- The marriage shall be valid and registered under the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955.
- In case of second marriage no incentive shall be provided.
- If submitted within one year of marriage, the proposal shall be valid.
- If there is any kind of fabrication in the application form filed, the competent authority could take action according to law.
Incentive provided-
- The incentive for a legal inter-caste marriage shall be Rs 2.5 Lakhs. The eligible couple would receive 1.50 lakhs in their joint account while the amount of 1 lakh shall be kept in a fixed deposit for three years.
- The scheme started on a trial basis for the period of 2 years from the year 2014. However later was regulated after the year 2015.