AI SummaryState Marriage Assistance Scheme for Poor Girls supports needy families by providing a one-time financial grant to help with marriage expenses. The Jammu and Kashmir government has raised the support for girls from AAY (Antyodaya Anna Yojana) ration card families from ₹50,000 to ₹75,000, while girls from PHH (Priority Households) families continue to get ₹50,000. The money reaches the beneficiary directly in her personal bank account through DBT before the wedding, and the scheme stays open in every district of the Union Territory.
This is a social welfare scheme run by the Social Welfare Department of the Government of Jammu and Kashmir. It is meant for unmarried girls of marriageable age who belong to economically weaker families holding AAY or PHH ration cards. A one-time grant is paid to help cover wedding expenses, and the full process from applying online to receiving the funds is handled digitally. The District Social Welfare Officer (DSWO) checks the details and recommends the case to the Deputy Commissioner for final approval.
State Marriage Assistance Scheme for Poor Girls - Introduction
State Marriage Assistance Scheme for Poor Girls is a compassionate social welfare scheme by the Social Welfare Department of the Government of Jammu and Kashmir. It is designed for girls of marriageable age from families holding AAY or PHH ration cards. Through this scheme, the government helps families by paying a one-time financial grant for wedding expenses. The funds reach the beneficiary directly in her personal bank account through the DBT mode before the marriage takes place.
Demand for the scheme has grown sharply as wedding costs climb across the Valley. Official data shows the number of applicants rose by about 42 percent within a year, from around 26,000 unmarried women in 2024-25 to 44,302 in 2025-26. As of December 2025, the scheme has cost the government nearly ₹234 crore. The entire process, from submitting the online application to receiving the funds, is handled digitally. The District Social Welfare Officer verifies the details, age and marital status before recommending the case to the Deputy Commissioner for final sanction.
Key Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | State Marriage Assistance Scheme for Poor Girls |
| Level | State |
| Beneficiary State | Jammu and Kashmir |
| Category | Social Welfare and Empowerment, Women and Child |
| Benefit Type | Cash (DBT) |
| Benefit Amount | ₹75,000 for AAY families, ₹50,000 for PHH families |
| Nodal Department | Social Welfare Department |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Official Website | jkdswdj.jk.gov.in |
Benefits
When a girl qualifies for this support, she receives several advantages:
- Girls from AAY (Antyodaya Anna Yojana) ration card families receive a one-time grant of ₹75,000, raised from the earlier ₹50,000 to meet rising wedding costs.
- Girls from PHH (Priority Households) families receive a one-time grant of ₹50,000.
- The money is sent directly to the beneficiary's personal bank account through the DBT system before the wedding day, so the support is available exactly when it is needed.
Eligibility
To be eligible for this support, a girl should meet the following criteria:
- She must be a female applicant of legal marriageable age, which is 18 years or older.
- Her family must hold a valid AAY or PHH ration card issued in Jammu and Kashmir.
- She should not have received financial support for the same purpose under any other UT or centrally sponsored scheme, such as the Ladli Beti Scheme. The benefit can be used only once.
- The application should be submitted at least one month before the wedding date to the District Social Welfare Officer.
Regarding education, an 8th class pass certificate is generally required. However, the government has relaxed this requirement for girls from economically weaker sections, and the exemption has been extended until 31 March 2028. So girls who have not passed 8th class can still apply within this period.
Application Process
STEP 1 - Prepare the required documents and go to the official online portal at jansugam.jk.gov.in. Search for the service "Application for obtaining financial Assistance under Marriage Assistance Scheme" and open the application form.
STEP 2 - Fill in the details and upload the required documents, including Aadhaar card, AAY or PHH ration card, proof of age, domicile certificate, education certificate and bank passbook. Submit the form to the District Social Welfare Officer (DSWO) at least one month before the wedding date.
STEP 3 - The DSWO verifies the marital status and age to confirm eligibility, and also checks that the applicant has not received similar support from other government schemes.
STEP 4 - The verified application is forwarded to the Deputy Commissioner with official recommendations. The Deputy Commissioner reviews the case to confirm eligibility and make sure the application is genuine.
STEP 5 - Once approved, the sanction is granted and the amount is transferred to the beneficiary's bank account through DBT. District offices submit final lists to the Social Welfare Department every fortnight.
Documents Required
Please keep the following documents ready for the application:
- Aadhaar card (both sides)
- AAY or PHH ration card (inner and outer pages)
- Proof of age, such as a birth certificate or matriculation certificate
- Domicile certificate of Jammu and Kashmir
- Education qualification certificate (8th class pass certificate where applicable)
- Bank passbook and a consent form for Aadhaar seeding of the bank account
References
View Official Guidelines of State Marriage Assistance Scheme
State Marriage Assistance Scheme - Official Page
Directorate of Social Welfare, Jammu - Official Website
FAQ's
Is this benefit recurring or a one-time payment?
The benefit is a one-time financial assistance grant. A girl can receive it only once under this scheme.
How much money will I receive?
Girls from AAY ration card families receive ₹75,000, while girls from PHH families receive ₹50,000 as a one-time payment before the marriage.
How will I receive the money?
The financial support is released by the Social Welfare Department directly into the beneficiary's bank account through the DBT mode.
Can I submit an application offline?
No, the application should be submitted through the online portal at jansugam.jk.gov.in, as the entire process is digital.
Is the 8th class pass certificate compulsory?
Generally yes, but the requirement has been relaxed for girls from economically weaker sections. The exemption is valid until 31 March 2028.
Am I eligible if I have already received benefits from the Ladli Beti Scheme?
No, a girl cannot apply if she has already received financial support for the same purpose under any other local or central scheme.
Who is responsible for verifying my age and marital status?
The District Social Welfare Officer (DSWO) verifies the details and age before submitting the file to the Deputy Commissioner for final approval.