Inter-Caste or Inter-Religious Marriage Award gives a one-time cash benefit of ₹50,000 to eligible couples in Uttarakhand who marry outside their caste or religion. The scheme is run by the Department of Social Welfare, Government of Uttarakhand, to encourage social harmony and reduce caste and religious discrimination.
The award was introduced for newly married couples where one spouse belongs to a Scheduled Caste, or where the partners follow different religions. Uttarakhand government keeps this award open for eligible residents, and applications are accepted through the district welfare offices.
Inter-Caste or Inter-Religious Marriage Award - Main Details
The award helps couples settle down in the early phase of married life. It is a joint cash support paid to both partners together, not a monthly payment.
Many schemes in Uttarakhand are now being brought online through the state e-services portal, and this award can also be explored through the Uttarakhand e-Services portal.
Key Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Inter-Caste or Inter-Religious Marriage Award |
| Level | State |
| Scheme For | Individual |
| Beneficiary State | Uttarakhand |
| Category | Social welfare and Empowerment |
| Benefit Type | Cash incentive |
| Benefit Amount | ₹50,000 (joint) |
| Nodal Department | Department of Social Welfare |
| Application Mode | Offline through district welfare office |
Benefits
Eligible married couples receive a joint cash benefit of ₹50,000 to help them begin their new life together.
This is a one-time award, so a couple can claim it only once and not for a second or later marriage. The amount is credited to a joint bank account that is linked or seeded with Aadhaar.
Eligibility
To get this award, the couple must meet a few basic conditions set by the department. The main points are given below.
- The couple should be permanent residents of Uttarakhand and both should be in a legally recognised inter-caste or inter-religious marriage.
- For an inter-caste marriage, at least one partner must belong to a Scheduled Caste, and the marriage should be registered under a valid law.
- For an inter-religious marriage, the husband and wife should follow different religions.
Application Process
The application is handled offline through the local welfare office. Steps are simple and explained below.
STEP 1 - Visit the office of the District Social Welfare Officer to collect the application form for the award.
STEP 2 - Fill the form correctly and attach all the required documents, including the marriage registration certificate.
STEP 3 - Submit the completed application to the District Social Welfare Officer for verification.
STEP 4 - The officer checks the details and sends the file with a recommendation from the District Magistrate to the Directorate for government approval.
STEP 5 - Once the application is approved, the incentive is paid into the joint account of the couple.
Documents
The department asks for a set of documents to confirm identity, marriage and residence. Keep these ready before applying.
- Valid identity proof and birth proof for both bride and groom (High School Certificate, Birth Certificate, Family Register, or Aadhaar Card).
- Official marriage registration certificate and proof that the marriage is the first marriage.
- CBS bank account details that are linked or seeded with Aadhaar.
- Copy of the caste or community certificate if applicable.
- Appropriate proof of residence in Uttarakhand.
References
For official details of this award and other welfare schemes of the department, check the pages below.
- Uttarakhand Social Welfare Department
- Uttarakhand e-Services portal
- Uttarakhand government schemes list
FAQ's
Who can apply for this scheme?
Any married couple living permanently in Uttarakhand who meets the inter-caste or inter-religious conditions can apply.
What is the financial benefit under this scheme?
Couples receive a one-time cash benefit of ₹50,000 paid jointly through a bank account.
What is required for an inter-caste marriage?
At least one partner must belong to a Scheduled Caste to qualify.
What is required for an inter-religious marriage?
The husband and wife must follow different religious faiths.
Is marriage registration mandatory?
Yes, a valid marriage registration certificate is required during the application process.
Where can I get the application form?
The official application form can be collected from the office of the District Social Welfare Officer.
How do I submit my application?
You need to submit the filled form with all supporting documents to the District Social Welfare Officer.
Can couples living outside Uttarakhand apply?
No, this scheme is only for permanent residents of Uttarakhand.