How to Apply for Inter-Caste Marriage Scheme in Delhi?

Delhi now offers Rs 2.5 lakhs to couples who marry outside their caste through the inter-caste marriage scheme, with no income restrictions.

The government used to give this money only to couples earning less than Rs 5 lakhs per year. They removed the income limit to encourage more inter-caste marriages and better social integration. The scheme helps new couples get financial stability. They receive Rs 1.5 lakhs straight into their joint account, and Rs 1 lakh goes into a three-year fixed deposit.

You can claim these benefits up to three years after your wedding date. This piece will show you exactly how to apply for Delhi’s Inter-Caste Marriage Scheme and get your Rs 2.5 lakh benefit.

What is the Dr Ambedkar Foundation Marriage Scheme in Delhi?

The Dr. Ambedkar Foundation Marriage Scheme is a bold government initiative started in 2013 under the Dr. Ambedkar Foundation (DAF), Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. Named after Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, who promoted Dalit rights and social equality, this scheme substantially supports inter-caste couples in Delhi and across India.

Origin and purpose of the scheme

The scheme began in 2013 with a main goal to help inter-caste married couples financially and help them merge into mainstream society. The program wanted to support 500 couples each year. This financial boost recognizes the brave social choice these couples make when they marry across caste lines.

Dr. Ambedkar believed strongly in breaking caste barriers through social integration. Inter-caste marriages are a great way to achieve this goal. These marriages show how well society is coming together. The program ran as a pilot for two years (2013-2014 and 2014-2015). It became a regular scheme in April 2015 and was updated in 2020.

Eligible couples receive Rs. 2.5 lakhs through this scheme. The money comes in two parts:

Rs. 1.5 lakhs go straight to the couple’s joint account through RTGS/NEFT
Rs. 1 lakh goes into a fixed deposit for three years, plus interest

The scheme started with a limit for couples earning less than Rs. 5 lakhs yearly. Despite that, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment removed this income ceiling. Now the scheme is available to all eligible couples whatever their financial status.

How the scheme promotes social integration?

This scheme fights against India’s deep-rooted caste discrimination by rewarding marriages between people of different castes. The financial support wants to:

Break down age-old caste barriers that have split Indian society
Lower parents’ control over marriage choices stops inter-caste marriages
Build a more inclusive society by reducing caste differences
Give practical help during the couple’s first years of marriage

Inter-caste couples often face rejection from society and sometimes violence. The scheme gives them both money and government backing for their marriage. This support helps couples who lose their family’s support after marrying across caste lines.

The scheme knows that caste still plays a big role in Indian marriages, even with constitutional equality. The benefits push younger people to choose partners based on how well they match rather than their caste.

Key differences from other state schemes

Indian states run their inter-caste marriage programs, but the Dr. Ambedkar Foundation scheme stands out:

Income ceiling removal: The central scheme has no income limits, unlike many state schemes
Nationwide applicability: Benefits work across India, while state schemes only help their residents
Higher incentive amount: The Rs. 2.5 lakh reward beats most state-level amounts ranging from Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 50,000
Structured disbursement: Money comes in two parts – immediate help (Rs. 1.5 lakhs) and future savings (Rs. 1 lakh fixed deposit)
Verification process: Applications need backing from an MP, MLA, or District Collector and must come through the state government

Couples must meet certain rules: one spouse should be from a Scheduled Caste and the other from a non-Scheduled Caste category. The marriage needs registration under the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955, and it should be the first marriage for both. Couples must apply within one year of getting married.

This isn’t a poverty relief or job creation program. It recognizes the couple’s brave step toward social change.

Read Also- Court Marriage in Delhi NCR

Eligibility Requirements for Getting 2.5 Lakhs

Couples need to meet several requirements to get the Rs. 2.5 lakh benefit under the Dr. Ambedkar Foundation Marriage Scheme. A full picture of these eligibility criteria will help you avoid application rejection. Let’s get into who qualifies and what conditions you need to meet.

1. Caste criteria for couples

The scheme’s most important requirement is inter-caste marriage. Here’s what you need to know:

One spouse must belong to the Scheduled Caste (SC) community
The other spouse must be from a non-Scheduled Caste background

This caste combination serves as the foundation of the scheme – it aims to promote marriages across caste lines. Both partners must provide valid caste certificates from competent authorities to prove their respective castes.

The government created this incentive to support couples who take the bold social step of an inter-caste marriage with a Dalit partner. This matches Dr. Ambedkar’s vision to promote social integration by breaking caste barriers.

2. Marriage registration requirements

Your marriage must meet these conditions:

Legal validity and proper registration under the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955
An official marriage certificate

Couples who register their marriage under different laws need to provide a separate certificate as specified in Annexure 1.

You must submit your application within one year of marriage [113]. The scheme strictly enforces this timeframe and rejects late applications. New couples should prepare their paperwork right after their wedding.

3. Income and residency conditions

The scheme used to limit couples to a combined annual income below Rs. 5 lakhs. The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment removed this restriction. Now, couples can apply whatever their financial status.

Delhi residents face these additional requirements:

Either spouse should permanently live in the NCT of Delhi
Parents of non-Delhi spouses should have lived in the NCT of Delhi for five years
Non-Delhi spouses must live in the NCT of Delhi after marriage

These rules ensure benefits go to couples with real Delhi connections, though the central scheme runs nationwide.

4. First marriage verification process

The scheme doesn’t provide benefits for second or later marriages [113]. Both partners must prove this is their first marriage by submitting:

A certificate confirming neither has married before
A sworn affidavit declaring their legal marriage status and no previous marriages

Some state schemes allow exceptions for childless widows or widowers. The Dr. Ambedkar Foundation scheme usually keeps the first marriage rule.

Couples need recommendations from one of these:

A Member of Parliament (MP)
A Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA)
The District Collector/Magistrate

Officials check all documents and statements before approving the incentive. Couples must prove they still live together when collecting the fixed deposit amount, usually after three years.

Meeting all these requirements before applying helps couples speed up their application for the Rs. 2.5 lakh inter-caste marriage incentive and boosts their approval chances.

Documents Required for Inter-Caste Marriage Application

The right documentation plays a vital role in your inter-caste marriage application. You can get a Rs. 2.5 lakh incentive under the Dr. Ambedkar Foundation Marriage Scheme from the Delhi government. Let’s get into all the work to be done to make your application process smooth.

1. Essential identity proofs

You and your spouse need to submit identity documentation to establish your legal identities. These are the acceptable identity proofs:

Aadhaar Card (most commonly required)
PAN Card
Voter ID Card
Passport
Driving License
Ration Card with photo

You’ll also need to show residence proofs for both before and after marriage. For Delhi residency, you can submit any one of these:

Aadhaar Card
Voter ID Card
Bank Passbook
Electricity/Water Bill
Telephone Bill (landline or postpaid)
Registered Rent Agreement

Two witnesses who live in Delhi must provide their identity and residence proof. They need to submit the same types of documents as the couple.

2. Marriage certificate specifications

A properly registered marriage certificate is the lifeblood of your application. The certificate must:

Be issued under the Hindu Marriage Act or other applicable marriage laws
Be registered with appropriate authorities (sub-registrar’s office)
Show complete details of both spouses, including their names and addresses
Include the date and place of marriage
Be submitted within one year of the marriage date

First-time applicants need a certificate that states this is the first marriage for both partners. Marriages outside Delhi may require extra documents like a Jamaath Letter or attested Nikkah Register copy.

3. Caste certificates and verification

The scheme’s main goal is to promote inter-caste marriages, so proper caste documentation is required:

Scheduled Caste Certificate of the spouse from the SC community
Caste certificate of the non-SC spouse that clearly states their community and sub-caste
Competent authorities (usually the District Magistrate or Revenue Officer) must issue both certificates

Your caste certificates should include:

Your full name
Your father’s/husband’s name
Your permanent address
Specific caste/sub-caste details
The issuing authority’s seal and signature

You might need to show proof of a relationship with your paternal relatives. Some departments check caste claims through family connections.

4. Bank account requirements

The financial incentive goes directly to the couple’s account. Here’s what you need for banking documentation:

Joint bank account in both spouses’ names
Account in a nationalized or government bank
A scanned copy of the joint bank passbook’s first page
Canceled check leaf (optional but helpful)
Bank details with account number, IFSC code, and branch information

This joint account helps you receive the initial Rs. 1.5 lakh deposit and connects to the fixed deposit holding the remaining Rs. 1 lakh for three years.

You’ll also need these extra documents:

Passport-sized photographs (one attested joint photo of the couple)
Income certificates from competent authorities (if applicable)
Affidavit stating the couple isn’t related within prohibited degrees
Self-declaration forms from government annexures

Take all documents to your area SDM office with the completed application form. Remember to self-attest all copies and bring originals for verification during the application process.

Step-by-Step Application Process for Delhi Residents

The Delhi inter-caste marriage scheme offers a Rs. 2.5 lakh incentive through a specific online application process. Let’s walk through the steps you need to take after checking your eligibility and gathering your documents.

1. Finding the correct application portal

Delhi residents can access the e-District Delhi website as their main gateway to various government services. Here’s how to start your inter-caste marriage application:

Head to the e-District Delhi portal
Look for “Incentives to Marriages”
Choose “Incentives to Inter-caste Marriages” from the options

You can also submit your application at your local Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) office. The office provides the form which needs a Gazetted Officer’s attestation before submission. It’s worth mentioning that you must apply within two years of your marriage date to qualify for benefits.

2. Creating your account and profile

Here’s how to set up your account on the e-District portal:

Click “Register” in the New User Single Sign On (SSO) portal
Add your mobile number – you’ll need this for registration
Fill in your details accurately to avoid registration cancelation
The system will send you an access code and password via SMS

Important: Your registration window stays open for 72 hours after receiving the access code and password. Missing this deadline means starting over. People without Aadhaar or Voter ID should first visit any counter at the Tehsil/Sub-Division Office.

3. Filling out the application form correctly

The application process continues after logging in:

Click “Utility” on your dashboard
Select the “Application Form” button on the next page
Complete all required fields with accurate information
Make sure to include:
- Both spouses’ details
- Marriage date and registration information
- Caste details with supporting documentation
- Bank account information for fund transfer

Review everything carefully before submitting. The program guidelines state that your form will be stored at the respective SDM office. You’ll get an SMS confirmation and should print your acknowledgment form as proof.

4. Document upload guidelines

Your application’s success depends on proper document handling:

Create clear scans of all original documents
Keep file sizes under 1MB per document
You’ll need these essential documents:
- Marriage certificate
- Both spouses’ caste certificates
- Attested joint photograph
- Affidavits from couple
- District certificates
- Educational certificates (like both spouses’ 10th certificates)

Submit your form after uploading all documents. The Social Welfare Department will verify your details through a spot check. The Rs. 2.5 lakh incentive goes to your joint account after successful verification.

Check your application status by logging into the portal with your credentials. Your area’s SDM office keeps records of all applications if you need to follow up on any delays.

Verification and Approval Timeline

Your 2.5 lakh rupee incentive application goes through several checks before approval. Here’s what happens behind the scenes to help you understand the waiting period better.

1. How officials verify your application?

Your application goes through multiple verification layers after submission. Officials will check all your documents to confirm if you meet the scheme’s requirements. The verification process looks at:

Proving it right that both spouses have SC/non-SC status
Make sure the marriage is registered under the Hindu Marriage Act 1955
Checking if it’s the first marriage for both partners
Confirming the application came within one year of marriage

You need a recommendation from a sitting MP, MLA, or district collector. The state government should forward your application with all documents to the foundation. Social welfare officials might visit your home to check if the details in your application are correct. These personal visits help stop fake claims and make sure only eligible couples get the benefit.

2. Average processing time in Delhi

Processing times can change substantially based on how many applications they receive and how fast they work. The rules say officials need at least 30 days to start processing from when you submit.

After they verify everything, your file goes to the Chairman of the Dr. Ambedkar Foundation and the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment for approval. This extra step can make things take longer.

The waiting time often stretches beyond what they officially say. Some areas report applications sitting with the Foundation for over a year without any response, even after district collectors send reminders.

3. Tracking your application status

You can keep an eye on your application through these ways:

Use your login details on the e-District portal to see live updates
Text “EDISTDL” to 7738299899 for automatic updates
Click “Track Your Application” on the e-District portal’s main page

The portal shows if your application is being processed, waiting for verification, approved, or rejected. If you applied offline, take your application number to your area’s sub-division office to ask about the status.

4. Handling delays and follow-ups

Budget issues and administrative bottlenecks often cause delays. Sometimes, even approved applications stay unpaid because the Public Financial Management System (PFMS) portal shows no available funds.

If your application takes too long:

Contact these authorities in order:

Block Development Officer or Sub-divisional Office
Assistant Director, District Social Security Office
Director, Social Security Office

The e-District portal shows why they rejected applications. Most rejections happen because of missing documents or not meeting eligibility rules. Instead of applying again right away, visit the Sub-division office or call them to learn what extra documents you need.

When approved, they will send the 2.5 lakh amount straight to your joint account through Real Time Gross Settlement (RTGS).

Fund Disbursement and Utilization

Your financial benefit starts flowing after your application gets approved. The money reaches you through a well-laid-out process that gives you both quick cash and long-term security.

1. How the 2.5 lakh amount is released?

The Dr. Ambedkar Foundation starts sending money through secure electronic transfers once your verification succeeds. Here’s what you need to get your funds:

Submit a pre-stamped receipt on a Ten Rupee Non-Judicial Stamp Paper
Provide your joint bank account details for RTGS/NEFT transfer
The money comes to you in two separate parts

The Foundation sends payments after they get all verified documents. Some district authorities celebrate this moment with a formal ceremony where couples receive their incentive. They set aside Rs. 25,000 specifically for these programs.

2. Fixed deposit vs immediate payment portions

Your Rs. 2.5 lakh incentive split into two parts:

Immediate payment: Rs. 1.5 lakh goes straight into your joint account through RTGS/NEFT
Fixed deposit: Rs. 1 lakh stays locked in a fixed deposit for three years

The foundation releases your fixed deposit money plus all interest earned into your joint account after three years pass. This two-part approach gives you good immediate help and a future financial boost.

3. Tax implications of the incentive

The factual key points don’t mention specific tax rules for this incentive right now. The amount works like a government grant rather than taxable income. Standard tax exemptions for government benefits should apply since this is a social welfare scheme.

4. Restrictions on fund usage

Couples can spend this money as they choose, though the scheme aims to help newly married inter-caste couples build their life together. The incentive recognizes the “socially bold step” couples take by choosing an inter-caste marriage.

The fixed deposit part helps couples plan their finances better. The incentive supports only first marriages, which shows how the program focuses on new families starting their journey together.

Conclusion

The Dr. Ambedkar Foundation Marriage Scheme is one of Delhi’s most important initiatives that supports inter-caste marriages. The scheme offers a generous Rs 2.5 lakh incentive and makes financial support available to all eligible couples by removing income restrictions.

The application process might look complex at first. You need to pay attention to documentation requirements. Submit your application within one year of marriage to get approval. Need expert guidance? Call Advocate Kaushal at +91 8287772088 for professional help with your application.

The scheme splits funds between immediate needs and future security. This helps couples build a stable financial foundation. The thorough verification process will give deserving couples their rightful benefits.

Note that your application success depends on meeting eligibility criteria and submitting complete documents. Begin your application early. Keep track of its progress and stay patient during verification. This vital step toward social integration comes with substantial financial support to kickstart your married life.

FAQs

Q1. Who is eligible for the Dr. Ambedkar Foundation Marriage Scheme in Delhi?

Ans. Couples where one spouse belongs to a Scheduled Caste and the other is from a non-Scheduled Caste background are eligible. The marriage must be registered under the Hindu Marriage Act, and it should be the first marriage for both partners. There are no income restrictions, but residency requirements for Delhi apply.

Q2. How much financial incentive is provided under this scheme?

Ans. The scheme provides a total incentive of Rs. 2.5 lakhs. This amount is disbursed in two parts: Rs. 1.5 lakhs is directly deposited into the couple’s joint account, while the remaining Rs. 1 lakh is placed in a fixed deposit for three years.

Q3. What documents are required to apply for the inter-caste marriage scheme?

Ans. Essential documents include identity proofs (like Aadhaar cards), marriage certificates, caste certificates for both spouses, joint bank account details, and residence proofs. Additional requirements may include affidavits, income certificates, and passport-sized photographs.

Q4. How long does the application process and approval typically take?

Ans. The initial processing takes a minimum of 30 days from the date of application submission. However, the entire process, including verification and approval, can sometimes extend beyond a year. Applicants can track their application status online or through SMS updates.

Q5. Are there any restrictions on how the incentive amount can be used?

There are no explicit restrictions on fund usage. The scheme aims to support newly married inter-caste couples in establishing themselves during their early years together. The fixed deposit component encourages financial planning and future security.

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