Dr. Muthulakshmi Reddy Ninaivu Inter-caste Marriage Assistance Scheme-I gives newly married inter-caste couples cash support and an 8 gram 22 carat gold coin to encourage marriages across caste lines and build a casteless society in Tamil Nadu.
Social Welfare and Women Empowerment Department of Tamil Nadu runs this scheme for couples where one spouse belongs to a Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe and the other comes from a different community. Applications are open through Common Service Centers and the e-Sevai portal, and there is no income ceiling for eligible families.
Dr. Muthulakshmi Reddy Ninaivu Inter-caste Marriage Assistance Scheme-I - Introduction
This scheme works as a social welfare measure to reduce caste based discrimination. Under the scheme, one spouse must belong to a Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe while the other spouse belongs to a different community. The government also covers couples where one spouse is from a forward or unreserved community and the other belongs to a Backward Class or Most Backward Class.
There is no income ceiling under this scheme, so families from all income groups can apply. The couple must apply within two years from the date of marriage to receive the benefit.
Key Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Dr. Muthulakshmi Reddy Ninaivu Inter-caste Marriage Assistance Scheme-I |
| Level | State |
| Scheme For | Individual |
| Beneficiary State | Tamil Nadu |
| Category | Social Welfare and Women Empowerment |
| Benefit Type | Cash and Gold |
| Nodal Department | Department of Social Welfare and Women Empowerment |
| Official Website | tnsocialwelfare.tn.gov.in |
Benefits
Eligible couples get cash support along with a gold coin under this scheme. The amount depends on the education level of the bride.
| Benefit Component | Amount / Item |
|---|---|
| Cash for bride who passed 10th standard | ₹25,000 |
| Cash for graduate or diploma holder bride | ₹50,000 |
| Gold Coin | 1 Sovereign (8g) 22 carat gold |
For a bride who passed 10th standard, the cash support of ₹25,000 is split as ₹15,000 through Electronic Clearing Service and ₹10,000 as a National Savings Certificate. For a graduate or diploma holder bride, the cash support of ₹50,000 is split as ₹30,000 through Electronic Clearing Service and ₹20,000 as a National Savings Certificate. In both cases the couple also receives an 8 gram 22 carat gold coin.
Eligibility
To receive this support, the couple should meet the following criteria:
- One spouse must belong to a Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe while the other spouse belongs to a different community. Couples where one spouse is from a forward or unreserved community and the other belongs to a Backward Class or Most Backward Class are also eligible.
- The bride must have passed at least the 10th standard. For a bride from a Scheduled Tribe, passing the 5th standard is enough.
- The bride must be at least 18 years old and the bridegroom at least 21 years old at the time of marriage.
There is no income ceiling for this scheme, and no minimum educational qualification is fixed beyond the bride's school level.
Application Process
The application is done online through the nearest Common Service Center or the e-Sevai portal. Follow these steps to apply:
STEP 1 - Collect all required documents such as the marriage certificate or invitation, community certificates of both spouses, and the age proof of the bride.
STEP 2 - Visit the nearest Common Service Center to complete the biometric verification process.
STEP 3 - Fill out the application form with accurate details and upload the required documents on the e-Sevai portal.
STEP 4 - Ask for a receipt or acknowledgement from the center once the form is submitted. Keep this safe because it carries the unique identification number of the application.
Submit the application within two years from the date of marriage.
Documents
Keep the following documents ready while applying:
- Marriage invitation or a valid marriage registration certificate.
- Community certificate of the bride.
- Community certificate of the bridegroom.
- Age proof document of the bride.
References
Read the official marriage assistance schemes page of Tamil Nadu.
FAQ's
How is the financial support given to the couple?
For a bride who passed 10th standard, ₹15,000 is given through Electronic Clearing Service and ₹10,000 as a National Savings Certificate. For a graduate or diploma holder bride, ₹30,000 is given through Electronic Clearing Service and ₹20,000 as a National Savings Certificate.
What is the deadline for the application?
The application should be submitted within two years from the date of marriage.
Which documents do I need to keep ready?
Keep the marriage certificate or invitation, community certificates of both spouses, and the age proof of the bride ready for the application.
Where can I apply for this scheme?
You can visit any authorized Common Service Center to complete the online application and biometric verification.
Are there specific educational requirements for the bride?
Yes, the bride should have passed at least the 10th standard. For a bride from a Scheduled Tribe, passing the 5th standard is the minimum requirement. Graduate or diploma holder brides get a higher cash amount.
Is there any income limit for this scheme?
No, there is no income ceiling for this scheme. Families from all income groups can apply.