AI SummaryAssam government provides a one-time financial incentive of ₹2,50,000 to couples who marry across castes. One spouse must belong to a Scheduled Caste and the other must be a General Caste Hindu.
Directorate of Welfare of Scheduled Castes and Backward Classes, Assam, runs this scheme. The amount is kept in a joint fixed deposit in the names of both spouses. This support helps newly married inter-caste couples settle down in the early phase of married life.
Assam Inter-Caste Marriage Incentive Scheme
This scheme works under the Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955, and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989. It gives cash support to couples who take an inter-caste marriage. The support amount is kept as a fixed deposit for three years.
The fixed deposit lists the woman's name first. There is no premature encashment option. Applicants have to submit the prescribed application form along with self-attested documents to the Directorate office.
For 2026-27, eligible couples can apply through the official process. The incentive amount depends on budget availability and government fund sanction.
Key Highlights
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Financial Incentive for Inter-Caste Marriages in Assam |
| Level | State (Assam) |
| Department | Directorate of Welfare of Scheduled Castes and Backward Classes |
| Benefit Amount | ₹2,50,000 (one-time) |
| Benefit Type | Cash (joint fixed deposit) |
| Lock-in Period | 3 years |
| Application Mode | Offline |
Benefits
The scheme offers these benefits to eligible couples.
- One-time financial incentive of ₹2,50,000 for eligible inter-caste married couples.
- Amount is kept as a joint fixed deposit in a government or nationalised bank.
- Woman's name must appear as the first holder on the joint fixed deposit.
- Payment depends on budget availability and government fund sanction.
- A strict three-year lock-in period applies with no premature encashment option.
Eligibility
Couples must meet these conditions to apply.
- Couple must be in a valid inter-caste marriage.
- One spouse must belong to a Scheduled Caste.
- Other spouse must be a General Caste Hindu.
- Incentive applies only to the first marriage of the couple.
- Combined annual income of the couple must be ₹5,00,000 or less.
Application Process
Applications are accepted offline. Follow these steps.
STEP 1 - Download and print the prescribed application form from the official Directorate website at directorwsc.assam.gov.in.
STEP 2 - Fill in all mandatory details, affix a passport-sized photograph, and attach self-attested supporting documents.
STEP 3 - Both bride and groom must sign the declaration section to confirm that all information provided is true and accurate.
STEP 4 - Submit the completed application form to the Office of the Director, Welfare of Scheduled Castes and Backward Classes, Assam.
Documents Required
Applicants must submit self-attested copies of these documents.
- Digital caste certificate of the SC spouse issued by the Deputy Commissioner.
- Notary affidavit confirming the General Caste status of the other spouse.
- Marriage certificate issued by the Sub-Registrar.
- Certificate from a Gazetted Officer confirming it is the first marriage.
- Digital income certificate from the Circle Officer or salary proof.
- Salary statement from the employer or Fin Assam for government employees.
- Notary affidavit if the wife is a homemaker.
- Aadhaar cards of both spouses.
- PAN cards of both spouses.
- Residence proof such as Voter ID, Driving Licence, or Ration Card.
- Joint photograph of the couple.
References
How to Apply for Financial Incentive for Inter-Caste Marriages
Guidelines for Inter Caste Marriage Scheme
Download Scheme Guidelines PDF
FAQ's
What is the maximum annual income limit for this scheme?
Couple's combined annual income must be ₹5,00,000 or less.
How do we prove the General Caste status of the non-SC spouse?
Provide an affidavit from a Notary certifying the caste status.
Is the woman's name required to be primary on the fixed deposit?
Yes, the fixed deposit must list the woman's name as the first holder.
Are subsequent marriages eligible for this incentive?
No, the incentive is available only for the first marriage of the couple.
Who issues the mandatory digital caste certificate?
Deputy Commissioner of the concerned district issues the digital caste certificate.
What if the applicants are unemployed?
If unemployed, the couple must provide a digital income certificate issued by the concerned Circle Officer.
Can government employees apply?
Yes, government employees must submit a salary statement generated through the Fin Assam system.
Can the fixed deposit be broken prematurely?
No, the deposit has a three-year lock-in period with no option for premature encashment.
What if the wife is a homemaker?
Submit a notary affidavit stating that the wife is a homemaker without independent income.
Which documents serve as residential proof?
Applicants may submit a Voter ID, Driving Licence, or Ration Card.