The Karnataka government offers financial incentives to encourage inter-caste marriages, aiming to foster social integration and reduce caste-based discrimination. These schemes are primarily administered by the Social Welfare Department and the Tribal Welfare Department, targeting Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) individuals who marry outside their caste. Additionally, national-level schemes, like the Dr. Ambedkar Scheme for Social Integration through Inter-Caste Marriages, provide supplementary benefits.
Social Welfare Department Incentives
The Social Welfare Department provides financial assistance to SC individuals who marry non-SC Hindus. This initiative seeks to promote harmony and social acceptance across communities.
- Eligibility Criteria:
- One spouse must belong to the SC community.
- Both spouses must be Hindus.
- The couple should be Karnataka residents.
- Their combined annual income should not exceed ₹5 lakh.
- Applications must be submitted within 18 months of the marriage, which should be legally registered.
- Benefits:
- ₹3 lakh for SC women marrying non-SC men.
- ₹2.5 lakh for SC men marrying non-SC women.
- Application Process:
- Applicants must register online via the official portal.
- Required documents include Aadhaar numbers, caste and income certificates, marriage registration proof, and photographs.
- Spot verification ensures eligibility, after which the incentive amount is credited to the couple’s joint bank account.
Tribal Welfare Department Incentives
The Tribal Welfare Department offers similar benefits to ST individuals who marry outside their caste.
- Eligibility Criteria:
- One spouse must belong to the ST community.
- Both spouses must follow the Hindu religion.
- The couple should reside in Karnataka, with a combined income not exceeding ₹5 lakh annually.
- Applications must be submitted within 18 months of the marriage.
- Benefits:
- ₹3 lakh for ST women marrying non-ST men.
- ₹2.5 lakh for ST men marrying non-ST women.
- Application Process:
- Registration and document submission are done online through the department’s portal.
- Necessary documents include Aadhaar, caste and income certificates, marriage proof, and photographs.
- Verification is conducted by officials before disbursing the amount.
District-Wise Data on Applications
Recent data highlights a rise in applications for inter-caste marriage incentives across Karnataka. The 2023-24 figures from the Social Welfare Department reveal:
- Bengaluru Urban leads with 720 applications.
- Mysuru follows with 242 applications.
- Shivamogga reports 217 applications.
This data suggests growing acceptance of inter-caste unions, with urban areas showing higher participation.
Central-Level Incentives: Dr. Ambedkar Foundation Scheme
The central government, through the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, implements the “Dr. Ambedkar Scheme for Social Integration through Inter-Caste Marriages.” This scheme provides an incentive of ₹2.5 lakh for eligible couples, focusing on reducing societal prejudices and promoting integration.
- Eligibility:
- One spouse must belong to an SC community.
- The other spouse must belong to any other caste, provided both are Hindus.
- The marriage must be registered and fall under the Hindu Marriage Act.
- Application Process:
- Eligible couples must apply through the Dr. Ambedkar Foundation website with required documents.
- Upon approval, the incentive is disbursed directly to the applicants.
Conclusion
Incentives for inter-caste marriages reflect the Karnataka government’s commitment to reducing caste-based barriers and fostering inclusivity. These schemes provide significant financial support to eligible couples, helping them integrate into society with reduced stigma. District-wise data suggests that such initiatives are gradually gaining popularity, with urban areas leading the way. Moreover, the national-level schemes further supplement these efforts, creating a comprehensive framework to promote social harmony across India.
