How to Apply for ₹1 Lakh Government Scheme for Love Marriage in Indiav

How to Apply for ₹1 Lakh Government Scheme for Love Marriage in India

in India, marriage assistance schemes are designed to help poor families and promote social equality. Many people have heard that the government gives ₹1 lakh financial help for love marriages, but in reality, the benefit depends on specific eligibility conditions. There is no single national scheme that provides ₹1 lakh for every love marriage, but several central and state schemes support inter-caste and economically weaker couples. Below is a detailed explanation of the available programs, eligibility, and how to apply.

Overview of the Scheme

The Indian government and several state governments have introduced marriage assistance schemes to:

• Reduce the financial burden on poor families.

• Encourage inter-caste marriages to promote social harmony.

• Provide financial stability for newly married couples.

• Support registered marriages and prevent child marriages.

Under these initiatives, eligible couples can receive financial grants ranging from ₹25,000 up to ₹2.5 lakh or more, depending on the state and category.

Central Government Scheme

The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment runs the Dr. Ambedkar Foundation Inter-Caste Marriage Incentive Scheme.
This program provides a one-time incentive for couples where one spouse belongs to a Scheduled Caste (SC) and the other belongs to a non-SC community.
The central incentive amount is ₹2.5 lakh. The main goal is to encourage social integration and reduce caste discrimination.

Key Features:

1. Available for legally registered marriages only.

2. One spouse must be from the SC community.

3. The marriage should be the first for both partners.

4. The application should be made within one year of the marriage date.

5. The amount is transferred directly to the couple’s joint bank account.

6. The scheme is meant to encourage inter-caste love marriages, not general love marriages without caste difference.

This scheme proves that the government supports inter-caste couples, but not all “love marriages” qualify for it.

State Government Schemes

Each Indian state runs its own version of the marriage assistance program. The financial aid, eligibility, and process differ from one state to another.

Examples of State Schemes:

1. Karnataka:
The Social Welfare Department provides financial help for inter-caste marriages under the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Development Corporation. Couples can receive up to ₹3 lakh depending on category and income level. The marriage must be registered and one partner must be from the SC community.

2. Tamil Nadu:
The state offers ₹2.5 lakh for inter-caste marriages—₹1 lakh as a cheque and ₹1.5 lakh as a National Savings Certificate. The couple must register the marriage and apply through the district social welfare office.

3. Haryana:
Under the Mukhya Mantri Samajik Samrasta Antarjatiya Vivah Shagun Yojna, couples get ₹1,01,000 as incentive. One partner must be SC and a permanent resident of Haryana.

4. Bihar:
The Antarjatiye Vivah Protsahan Anudan Yojana provides ₹1 lakh to couples who enter inter-caste marriages. The benefit helps them settle during the early stage of marriage.

5. Rajasthan:
The Rajasthan government supports inter-caste couples with up to ₹10 lakh incentive to encourage social equality and eliminate caste barriers.

6. Maharashtra:
Couples can get ₹50,000 to ₹2.5 lakh for registered inter-caste marriages. The couple must apply through the Social Justice Department of Maharashtra.

These examples show that assistance is based on inter-caste or poor family criteria, not just a love marriage without social integration purpose.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility rules are generally similar across states:

1. The marriage must be legally registered under the Hindu Marriage Act or Special Marriage Act.

2. One spouse must belong to the Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe category in inter-caste schemes.

3. Both spouses must be Indian citizens and residents of the state where they apply.

4. The marriage should be the first for both partners.

5. Annual family income should be below the limit fixed by the state (often ₹5 lakh or less).

6. The application must be submitted within one year of marriage registration.

7. A joint bank account is mandatory to receive the funds.

8. The couple must not have received this benefit earlier.

Failure to meet any of these conditions can result in rejection of the application.

Required Documents

To apply for government marriage assistance, the couple must provide the following:

• Marriage registration certificate

• Aadhaar cards of both partners

• Caste certificate of SC/ST spouse (for inter-caste scheme)

• Income certificate (if required)

• Bank passbook copy (joint account)

• Residence proof or domicile certificate

• Passport-size photos of the couple

• Declaration stating this is the first marriage

Keep both digital and physical copies of all documents ready before applying.

Application Process

Although each state may have slightly different steps, the general procedure is as follows:

1. Register the Marriage:
   Visit your local sub-registrar office and obtain a valid marriage certificate.

2. Collect Scheme Information:
   Visit your district Social Welfare or SC/ST Welfare Department. Officials can provide the latest notification and application form.

3. Fill the Form:
   Complete the application form carefully with correct details and attach the required documents.

4. Submit Application:
   Submit the form online (if available) or offline at the respective office. Obtain an acknowledgment slip.

5. Verification:
   Authorities will verify documents and eligibility. They may visit your home to confirm the couple is living together.

6. Approval and Disbursement:
   Once approved, the sanctioned amount will be directly credited to the couple’s joint bank account. Some states pay in two installments, and a part may be locked for a fixed period to prevent misuse.

Benefits of the Scheme

• Financial support reduces the burden of marriage expenses for poor families.

• Encourages registered marriages and social unity.

• Helps newly married couples start their life with stability.

• Promotes equality by supporting inter-caste and inter-community unions.

• Strengthens government’s initiative toward inclusive social growth.

Limitations

• Not applicable for all love marriages, only for specific categories such as inter-caste or low-income families.

• The process may take several months due to document verification.

• The couple must remain married for a certain period; otherwise, the benefit may be canceled.

• False or incomplete information can lead to rejection or refund demand.

• Scheme details change from time to time; applicants must check latest updates from their state departments.

Important Tips

1. Apply only after receiving your official marriage certificate.

2. Ensure your joint bank account is active and linked with Aadhaar.

3. Keep copies of all documents for future reference.

4. Verify scheme status through your district welfare office regularly.

5. Do not rely on unofficial websites or agents; always use verified government offices.

check whether you meet eligibility before applying.

• National scheme by Dr. Ambedkar Foundation – “Inter-Caste Marriage Incentive”: Application info at the official Schemes page. Dr. Ambedkar Foundation+2twd.tripura.gov.in+2

• Karnataka state – “Inter-Caste Marriage Incentive” via Social Welfare Department Karnataka portal. swdservices.karnataka.gov.in

• Maharashtra state – “Incentive to Encourage Inter-Caste Marriages” by Social Justice and Special Assistance Department Maharashtra. Social Justice Dept.

• West Bengal – Online application for Inter-Caste Marriage Incentives via the Backward Classes Welfare Department. anagrasarkalyan.gov.in+1

Dr. Ambedkar Foundation apply link

The idea of the government giving ₹1 lakh for love marriages is partly true but applies mainly to inter-caste or economically weaker couples. There is no universal nationwide program that provides financial help for all love marriages. However, both central and state governments encourage socially inclusive unions by offering incentives to couples who marry across caste boundaries or come from poor backgrounds.

If you are planning to marry under such conditions, register your marriage first, collect the right documents, and apply within the prescribed time through your state’s welfare department. With proper documentation and eligibility, eligible couples can receive up to ₹1 lakh or even higher assistance based on their state’s policy.