Yes, inter-caste marriages in Jammu and Kashmir are eligible for a financial incentive of ₹2.5 lakh.
This is part of a scheme introduced by the J&K Government in 2023 to promote social integration. The funds are provided under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme for implementation of the Protection of Civil Rights Act.+1
Here is how the money works and how you can get it.
1. The Core Eligibility (The “Who”)
To receive the money, your marriage must meet these specific legal criteria:
- The Caste Mix: One spouse must belong to a Scheduled Caste (SC) (from the 13 recognized SC castes in J&K), and the other spouse must be a Non-SC Hindu (General or OBC).
- First Marriage: Both the husband and wife must be entering their first marriage.
- Age: Both must meet the legal age of marriage (18 for women, 21 for men) at the time of the wedding.
- Legal Registration: The marriage must be registered under the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955. A simple religious ceremony is not enough for the claim.
2. How the ₹2.5 Lakh is Paid
The government does not give the money as immediate cash to spend. It is designed to ensure the long-term stability of the marriage:
- Mode: The total amount is transferred via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) into a joint bank account of the couple.
- Fixed Deposit (FD): The money is kept in a Fixed Deposit with a 3-year lock-in period.
- Release: After 3 years, the couple must submit a joint undertaking to the bank confirming that they are still happily married and have no legal disputes. Only then can the money (plus interest) be withdrawn.
3. Important Deadlines
The 6-Month Rule: You must submit your application for the incentive strictly within 6 months from the date of marriage registration mentioned on your certificate. Applications submitted after 6 months are generally rejected.
4. Documents Required for the Claim
You will need to prepare a file with the following:
- Marriage Certificate: Issued by the Tehsildar/Registrar.
- Caste Certificates: SC certificate for one spouse; Non-SC for the other.
- Aadhar Cards: Both must be linked to the mobile number.
- Joint Bank Account Passbook: From a Nationalized/Government bank.
- Joint Photo: A wedding photograph or a recent joint photo.
- Affidavit: A notarized declaration stating this is your first marriage.
5. How to Apply
- Register the Marriage: First, use the JanSugam J&K Portal to get your official Marriage Certificate.
- Submit Application: Look for the “Financial Assistance for Inter-Caste Marriages” service on the JanSugam Portal or visit your District Social Welfare Office.
- Verification: The Social Welfare Department will conduct a “spot verification” to confirm you are living together as a couple.
- Sanction: Once verified, the Deputy Commissioner (DC) sanctions the amount.
A Quick Correction: Many people think this money is for any inter-caste marriage (like Brahmin marrying a Rajput). However, for this specific ₹2.5 lakh incentive, one partner must specifically be from a Scheduled Caste (SC).
Do you already have the marriage registration certificate, or are you still in the process of getting the marriage registered?