Grant of Marriage Allowance to the Widow's Daughter

Grant of Marriage Allowance to the Widow's Daughter is a social welfare scheme of the Government of Puducherry that gives financial support to widows to cover the marriage expenses of their daughters. As of 2026, the assistance amount has been raised to ₹40,000, and the payment now reaches the beneficiary directly through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).

The Department of Women and Child Development, Government of Puducherry, runs this scheme for widows living in the Union territory. It helps widow-headed families manage the cost of a daughter's first marriage without taking on heavy debt.

Grant of Marriage Allowance to the Widow's Daughter - Overview

This scheme is meant for widows who find it hard to arrange money for their daughter's wedding. The government provides a one-time grant so that the marriage can take place smoothly and in line with the law. The scheme has been in place for years, and the government keeps updating the amount to match rising wedding costs.

In January 2026, the Puducherry government issued a notification under the Grant of Marriage Allowance towards marriage of Daughters of Destitute Widows (Amendment) Rules, 2026. Through this order, the financial assistance was increased from ₹30,000 to ₹40,000. The same notification made it clear that the payment will be made only through DBT mode using the Aadhaar Enabled Payment System (AEPS) through the Public Financial Management System (PFMS), directly into the Aadhaar linked bank account of the beneficiary.

This change means the money now goes straight to the eligible widow's bank account, which makes the whole process clearer and reduces the chance of delay or misuse. The scheme continues to run in all regions of Puducherry, including Karaikal, Mahe and Yanam.

Key Information

Benefits

Once the application is approved, the widow receives a one-time grant of ₹40,000 to meet the expenses of her daughter's first marriage. Earlier the amount was ₹25,000, which was later raised to ₹30,000, and from January 2026 it stands at ₹40,000.

The payment is made directly into the Aadhaar linked bank account of the beneficiary through DBT. This removes the need for middlemen and makes sure the full amount reaches the right person.

Eligibility

To apply for this support, the widow should meet the following conditions:

• The annual income of the widow should not exceed ₹75,000 per year.
• She should be a citizen of India and a native of the Union territory of Puducherry by birth or by continuous residence of 5 years or more.
• The allowance is payable only for the first marriage of the bride, and it is given for the marriage of one daughter only.
• The age of the bride should be above 18 years and the age of the bridegroom should be above 21 years.
• The marriage should be performed in accordance with the law.

Application Process

The application can be submitted both offline and online. The form should be submitted at least 30 days before the proposed date of marriage.

STEP 1 - Visit the local office of the Department of Women and Child Development to collect the application form, or download and print it from the official website.

STEP 2 - Fill in all the required details, attach a recent passport-sized photograph and sign the form properly.

STEP 3 - Gather all the required documents, self-attest them, and submit the completed form to the Deputy Director (Women Development) in Puducherry, the Child Development Project Officer in Karaikal, or the Welfare Officer in Mahe and Yanam at least 30 days before the wedding.

STEP 4 - Collect an acknowledgment receipt that shows the date, time and a unique identification number for your records.

For the online process, register on the e-District Portal of Puducherry, log in, select the scheme from the list and fill the digital application form. Upload the required documents, tick the declaration box and submit. Save the application number to track your application later. A user manual is available for step-by-step guidance.

Documents

Keep the following documents ready while applying:

• Income and Residence Certificate from the Revenue Department.
• Marriage invitation card.
• Age proof of the bride and the bridegroom.
• Death Certificate of the bride's father.
• Marriage Registration Certificate, to be submitted within 60 days after the wedding.
• Aadhaar Card of the widow and the bride.
• Recent passport-size photograph of the applicant.

If the widow does not have an Aadhaar number, she can give an Aadhaar Enrolment ID along with any one of these documents: Bank Passbook with photo, PAN card, Passport, Ration card, Voter ID, MGNREGA card, driving license, or a certificate of identity issued by a Gazetted Officer.

References

• Official scheme page of the Department of Women and Child Development
• Citizen's Charter
• RTI Manual
• Contact Us
• Office Locations
• Track Your Application

FAQ's

What is the amount provided by this scheme in 2026?

The scheme now provides a one-time grant of ₹40,000 for the first marriage of the widow's daughter. This amount was raised from ₹30,000 through a notification issued in January 2026.

How is the payment made?

The payment is made through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) using the Aadhaar Enabled Payment System, through the Public Financial Management System, directly into the Aadhaar linked bank account of the beneficiary.

Is there a specific format for the application form?

Yes, the prescribed application format provided by the Department should be used. A copy can be obtained from the local office or printed from the official portal.

When should the application be submitted?

The application should be submitted at least 30 days before the proposed date of marriage.

Can I apply for more than one daughter?

No, the allowance is strictly limited to the first marriage of one daughter only.

How can I find the status of my application?

You can track the application status easily by using the application ID on the e-District portal.