Dr. Ambedkar Scheme
The Dr. Ambedkar Scheme, initiated by the Indian government, aims to foster social integration by encouraging inter-caste marriages. The primary objective is to acknowledge the courageous step of inter-caste couples and provide them with financial support to facilitate their settlement in the early stages of their married life. This scheme is seen as a supplementary measure to promote equality and social integration, complementing existing poverty alleviation and employment generation programs.
Incentive for Couples
Under the Dr. Ambedkar Scheme, eligible couples who enter into a legally registered inter-caste marriage receive an incentive of Rs. 2.50 lakh. This amount is disbursed as 50% through a demand draft in the joint name of the couple, and the remaining 50% is provided after a period of 5 years.
The scheme covers 500 inter-caste marriages per year, with each state having a fixed target based on the percentage share of Scheduled Caste (SC) population according to the 2011 Census. Additionally, Rs. 25,000/- is allocated for each marriage to organize a suitable event where the incentive is handed over to the couple.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the Dr. Ambedkar Scheme, one of the partners must belong to the Scheduled Caste community, while the other partner must come from a different community. The marriage must be legally registered under the Hindu Marriage Act, and the necessary documents must be submitted within one year of the marriage. Second or subsequent marriages are not eligible for the incentive, and the combined annual income of the couple should not exceed Rs. 5 lakh. Couples who have previously received incentives from state or UT governments are also ineligible.
The required documents include a certificate confirming the Scheduled Caste status of one of the spouses, the registered marriage certificate under the Hindu Marriage Act, and caste certificates for both the bride and groom. The application should be submitted within one year of the marriage, and income certificates from competent authorities are also required.
Application Process
The application process involves submitting a complete application with the recommendation of a sitting Member of Parliament (MP) or Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) directly to the Dr. Ambedkar Foundation. The state government or district administration will endorse the application and forward it to the foundation with their recommendation. After examination and approval by the Chairman of the Dr. Ambedkar Foundation and the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, the total amount of Rs. 2.50 lakhs is transferred to the beneficiary through Real-Time Gross Settlement (RTGS).
Documents for Couples:
- Application form filled by both parties.
- Identity Proof (Passport, Driving License, etc.).
- Proof of age (birth certificate, school leaving certificate, etc.).
- Address proof (ration card, Aadhaar card, utility bills, etc.).
- Passport-sized photographs.
- Affidavit declaring the parties are not related to each other within the prohibited degree of relationship.
- Signed copy of the marriage notice and it should be attested by the couple.
- Copy of divorce order (if divorced) or the spouse’s death certificate (if widowed).
Documents of Witnesses:
- Identity Proof (Passport, Driving License, etc.).
- Proof of age (birth certificate, school leaving certificate, etc.).
- Address proof (ration card, Aadhaar card, utility bills, etc.).
- Passport-sized photographs.