AI SummaryAnnai Teresa Ninaivu Marriage Assistance Scheme for Orphan Girls-I is a welfare scheme by the Government of Tamil Nadu that gives financial support and gold to orphan girls for their marriage. The scheme helps reduce the money burden on orphan brides who are at least 18 years old at the time of their wedding.
The scheme is run by the Social Welfare and Women Empowerment Department and continues to support eligible orphan brides across the state as of August 2026.
Annai Teresa Ninaivu Marriage Assistance Scheme for Orphan Girls-I - Introduction
This scheme offers essential financial support to orphan girls so they can celebrate their weddings with dignity. Every bride who is at least 18 years old at the time of her marriage can get these benefits. There is no income ceiling and no educational qualification required to apply under this scheme.
The support is given directly to the eligible bride so that the wedding can take place without money worries. The scheme covers the cost of the Thirumangalyam and part of the marriage expenses for girls who have lost both parents.
Key Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Annai Teresa Ninaivu Marriage Assistance Scheme for Orphan Girls-I |
| Level | State |
| Beneficiary State | Tamil Nadu |
| Category | Women and Child, Social Welfare and Empowerment |
| Benefit Type | Composite |
| Nodal Department | Department of Social Welfare and Women Empowerment |
| Application Mode | Online and Offline |
Benefits
Eligible people get the following support under this scheme:
| Benefit Component | Amount or Quantity |
|---|---|
| Financial Assistance | ₹25,000 |
| Gold Coin | One sovereign (8gm) 22-carat gold coin for Thirumangalyam |
The financial assistance is transferred directly to the beneficiary through an electronic clearing service for easy access.
Eligibility
To qualify for this support, the applicant should meet the following conditions:
- The applicant must be a female orphan.
- The bride should have completed at least 18 years of age by the date of her marriage.
- There is no income ceiling and no educational qualification required for this scheme.
Application Process
The applicant can apply either online or offline. It is better to keep the required documents ready before starting the process.
STEP 1 - Gather all the required documents such as the orphan certificate, income certificate, marriage invitation card and proof of age of the bride.
STEP 2 - For the online process, visit the nearest Common Service Center to complete the biometric verification.
STEP 3 - Fill out the application form carefully and upload the required documents. For the offline process, collect the application form from the District Social Welfare Officer or the Extension Officer.
STEP 4 - Submit the application and always ask for a formal acknowledgment receipt. Keep the unique identification number safe for tracking the status.
Important Deadline - The application should be submitted at least 40 days before the marriage date. In very rare or exceptional circumstances, it may be submitted one day before the wedding.
Documents
The following documents should be kept ready for the application:
- Death certificates of both parents or an authorized orphan certificate issued by an MP or MLA.
- Income certificate issued by the local Tahsildar.
- Official marriage invitation card.
- Proof of age of the bride.
- A recent passport-sized photograph of the bride.
- Purchase bills for marriage-related articles amounting to ₹1,000.
- Any additional documentation asked by the department during processing.
References
For more details on marriage assistance schemes, check the official page of the Social Welfare and Women Empowerment Department, Tamil Nadu.
Graduate orphan girls can also read about the related Annai Teresa Ninaivu Marriage Assistance Scheme for Orphan Girls-II.
FAQ's
What is the main aim of this scheme?
The goal is to give monetary and material support to orphan girls to help with their marriage expenses.
What benefits will the bride receive?
The bride receives ₹25,000 through bank transfer and an 8gm 22-carat gold coin for her Thirumangalyam.
Is there an income limit for applicants?
No, this scheme does not have any income ceiling.
How far in advance should the application be submitted?
The application should be submitted at least 40 days before the wedding day, though one day is allowed in exceptional cases.
Who should the applicant contact for help?
The applicant may contact the local District Social Welfare Officer or the Social Welfare Extension Officer.
How long does the application take to process?
Generally, authorities process applications within 15 days of submission.
Can the bride apply after her wedding?
No, the bride cannot get benefits if the application is submitted on or after her marriage date.
How can a grievance be reported?
For district-level issues, contact the District Collector or the District Social Welfare Officer. For state-level concerns, write to the Director of Social Welfare, 2nd Floor, Panagal Maaligai, Saidapet, Chennai - 600015, or call 044-24351885.