AI SummaryIncentive Award for Marriage with Disabled Person is a state-sponsored welfare scheme by the Social Welfare Department, Government of Manipur. It gives cash support to couples where one or both partners live with a disability, encouraging social inclusion and marriage equality for residents of Manipur who meet the eligibility criteria. Applications for the 2026-27 year have been invited by the Directorate of Social Welfare.
This scheme was launched in 2013 to support and encourage marriages involving specially abled individuals. It removes money barriers and encourages social acceptance so that persons with disabilities can marry and live with dignity. To benefit, a person must be a permanent resident of Manipur, live with the spouse, and have the marriage registered with the Registrar of Marriage.
Incentive Award for Marriage with Disabled Person - Introduction
Incentive Award for Marriage with Disabled Person is a compassionate grant provided by the Social Welfare Department, Government of Manipur. The scheme offers direct cash support to individuals who marry a partner with a disability. As per the latest update, the department has invited fresh applications for the financial year 2026-27 for persons with disabilities and destitute older persons.
According to reports, 661 individuals have benefited from the scheme so far. The yearly count has been growing, with 66 beneficiaries in 2023-24 and 218 in 2024-25, which shows a relative surge in applications. The low rate of marriage registration in the state is one reason the scheme remains less known, so the department is working to spread awareness.
Key Information
| Key | Details |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Incentive Award for Marriage with Disabled Person |
| Beneficiary State | Manipur |
| Category | Social welfare and Empowerment |
| Benefit Type | Financial Support (Cash) |
| Nodal Department | Social Welfare Department |
| Implementing Agency | District Social Welfare Offices |
| Application Year | 2026-27 |
Benefits
This scheme offers tiered financial support to eligible couples based on the nature of the application. The support is provided as follows:
| Category of Couple | Incentive Amount |
|---|---|
| Girl marrying a young man with a disability | ₹ 15,000 |
| Young man marrying a girl with a disability | ₹ 20,000 |
| Girl with a disability marrying a young man with a disability | ₹ 35,000 |
Please note that in the event of a divorce between 3 and 5 years after receiving the initial 10% installment, the non-disabled spouse should refund 50% of the total amount received, failing which interest at 6.5% per annum will be charged.
Eligibility
To apply for this support, a person should meet the following requirements:
- Applicant must be a domicile resident of Manipur.
- Applicant should have attained the legal age of marriage, which is 21 years for men and 18 years for women.
- Spouse must be a person with a disability, and the disability percentage should be 40% or higher.
- The bride should be between 18 and 45 years old at the time of marriage, while the groom should be between 21 and 45 years old.
- Applicant should not be an income taxpayer.
- Applicant must be currently married, living together, and the marriage must be registered officially.
- Neither party should have another living spouse at the time of marriage.
- Both partners must be mentally capable of giving valid consent and not suffer from recurrent insanity or epilepsy.
Application Process
This scheme is processed offline. Applicants should follow the steps given below to apply for the scheme:
STEP 1 - Download the application form from the official Social Welfare Department website or collect it from the local District Social Welfare Office or CDPO office.
STEP 2 - Fill out all mandatory fields carefully and attach the required self-attested documents along with a recent passport-sized photograph.
STEP 3 - Submit the completed application folder to the respective District Social Welfare Officer.
STEP 4 - Once processed, the list of selected beneficiaries appears on the department's official website or on the notice board of the Directorate or District Social Welfare Office.
Documents
Applicants should prepare the following documents for the application:
- Aadhaar card for identity verification.
- Recent passport-sized photographs.
- Valid proof of identity and age.
- Domicile or residential certificate proving the applicant is from Manipur.
- Marriage registration certificate granted by the government.
- Disability certificate issued by a competent medical authority showing minimum 40% disability.
- A joint certificate from the District Social Welfare Officer verifying that the couple is currently living together.
- A signed self-declaration by both partners confirming their intent to remain together.
References
FAQ's
Which department manages this scheme?
The Social Welfare Department, Government of Manipur, manages this scheme.
Is this a state-sponsored program?
Yes, this is a state-sponsored scheme exclusively for the residents of Manipur.
What is the minimum age requirement for the bride?
The bride must be at least 18 years old and not over 45 years old, while the groom must be between 21 and 45 years old.
Can I submit my application online?
No, the application should be submitted offline at the District Social Welfare Office.
What happens if the marriage breaks down within 5 years?
If a divorce occurs 3 to 5 years after receiving the first installment, the non-disabled spouse should refund 50% of the total incentive amount.