The “Shagun Scheme” is a popular term for the State Marriage Assistance Scheme (SMAS) in Jammu and Kashmir. As of 2026, the scheme provides a one-time financial grant of ₹50,000 (often colloquially referred to as the “51,000 scheme” due to historical or rounded figures) to help daughters from economically weaker families with their marriage expenses.
Under the current J&K administration, the scheme has been strictly digitized to ensure the money reaches the bride’s bank account directly.
1. Who is Eligible?
To receive the ₹50,000 grant, the following conditions must be met:
- The Bride: Must be of legal marriageable age (18+ years) and a domicile of J&K.
- Financial Status: The applicant’s family must belong to the Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) or Priority Household (PHH) ration card categories (formerly known as BPL).
- Educational Qualification: In recent years, a preference (and sometimes a requirement) has been set for the girl to have at least a basic education (often 8th standard or above).
- Timing: The application must be submitted before the marriage takes place. Once the marriage is over, applying for this specific scheme becomes difficult.
2. Benefit Amount
- General Beneficiaries: ₹50,000 (One-time payment).
- Special Category (Divyangjan): For brides with recognized disabilities, the assistance is often higher, reaching up to ₹1,00,000 in some districts under specific social welfare provisions.
3. Documents Required
You will need to upload these on the JanSugam portal:
- Ration Card: AAY or PHH category (duly verified).
- Aadhar Card: Of the bride, linked to her bank account.
- Date of Birth Proof: Birth certificate or 10th marksheet.
- Domicile Certificate: To prove J&K residency.
- Bank Passbook: A bank account in the bride’s name (mandatory).
- Marriage Invitation Card: As proof of the upcoming ceremony.
- Affidavit: A notarized statement declaring the bride is unmarried and eligible for the scheme.
4. How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
The process is now 100% online through the JanSugam J&K Portal.
- Online Registration: Visit [suspicious link removed] and register using your mobile number.
- Fill the Form: Search for “State Marriage Assistance Scheme” and fill in the bride’s details.
- Upload Documents: Attach scanned copies of the ration card, Aadhar, and marriage card.
- Verification: The application is first verified by the Tehsil Social Welfare Officer (TSWO) and then forwarded to the District Social Welfare Officer (DSWO).
- Payment: Once approved, the amount is credited directly to the bride’s bank account via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
5. Important Rules to Remember
- First Marriage Only: This scheme is strictly for the first marriage of the girl.
- Timing is Key: Do not wait until after the wedding. Apply as soon as the marriage date is fixed.
- Verification: Be prepared for a physical visit by a social welfare inspector who may visit your home to verify your financial status and ration card details.
Note: If you belong to a family of Construction Workers registered with the J&K Labour Board (BOCW), you are eligible for a higher amount of ₹75,000 under a separate Labour Department scheme. You cannot claim both the Social Welfare ₹50,000 and the Labour Board ₹75,000.
Are you applying for this scheme yourself, or are you helping someone else with the online JanSugam process?