₹3 Lakh Incentive for Inter-Caste Marriage in Karnataka: Eligibility, Benefits & How to Apply

In an effort to promote social harmony and reduce caste-based discrimination, the Government of Karnataka, through the Department of Social Welfare, has introduced a progressive initiative called the Inter-Caste Marriage Incentive Scheme. Under this scheme, Scheduled Caste (SC) individuals who marry non-SC partners (within the Hindu community) are eligible to receive financial support of up to ₹3 lakh from the government.

This scheme plays a pivotal role in building social unity and offering newlywed inter-caste couples the financial support they may need as they start their lives together.

🔹 What Is the Inter-Caste Marriage Scheme?

The Karnataka Inter-Caste Marriage Assistance Scheme provides financial incentives to couples where one spouse belongs to the SC category and the other to a non-SC Hindu caste. The core aim of the program is to encourage inter-caste marriages, eliminate caste-based discrimination, and offer a sense of economic security to these couples.

Launched in 2016, this initiative reflects the government’s commitment to fostering inclusivity and social justice across communities.

🔹 Incentive Details: How Much Can You Get?

The financial support under this scheme varies depending on the caste of the bride and groom:

• If the SC woman marries a non-SC Hindu man, the couple will receive a ₹3,00,000 incentive.
• If the SC man marries a non-SC Hindu woman, the couple is eligible for a ₹2,50,000 incentive.

Distribution of funds:

• 50% of the amount is disbursed as a direct cash benefit to the couple.
• The remaining 50% is deposited as a Fixed Deposit (FD) for 3 years in a joint account.

🔹 Additional Inter-Caste Support Schemes in Karnataka

In addition to the main inter-caste marriage assistance scheme, the government also runs several related programs:

1. Intra-Sub-Caste Marriage Incentive

Couples from different sub-castes within the SC or ST groups are eligible for an incentive of ₹2,00,000.

2. Mass Marriage Scheme

For SC couples who get married in mass marriage programs:

• Each couple receives ₹50,000.
• The organizing institution is awarded ₹20,000 per couple.

🔹 Who Is Eligible?

To qualify for the Karnataka Inter-Caste Marriage Assistance Scheme, the couple must meet the following criteria:

1. One partner must be from the SC community, and the other from a non-SC Hindu caste.
2. Both individuals must follow the Hindu religion.
3. Must be permanent residents of Karnataka.
4. The combined annual income of the couple should not exceed ₹5,00,000.
5. The marriage must have taken place on or after 2019.
6. Applications must be submitted within 18 months of the marriage date.
7. A legally registered marriage certificate is mandatory.
8. Only first marriages are eligible; remarriages are not considered.
9. The couple must apply online through the Social Welfare Department’s website.

🔹 Required Documents

To apply, the couple must prepare and upload the following documents:

• Aadhaar card of both partners
• Caste certificate of the SC partner
• Income certificate (not older than 6 months)
• Marriage certificate (registered under the Hindu Marriage Act)
• Marriage photos
• Bank passbook / account details (for both joint and individual accounts)
• Mobile number

🔹 Step-by-Step Application Process

Follow these simple steps to apply online for the Karnataka Inter-Caste Marriage Scheme:

1. Visit the official Karnataka Social Welfare Department website
2. On the homepage, click on “Marriage Incentive Schemes”.
3. Select “Inter-Caste Marriage Incentive” from the list of schemes.
4. Click on “Register” to begin your application.
5. Fill in all the required personal details, income, caste, and marriage information.
6. Upload the necessary documents in the specified format and file size.
7. Review the application carefully and then click “Submit”.
8. An SMS confirmation will be sent to your registered mobile number.
9. Download and print the acknowledgment slip for future reference.
10. The department will verify your details through a field inspection before releasing the funds.

🔹 Important Notes

• Applications submitted after 18 months of marriage will be automatically rejected.
• The financial assistance will be credited to the couple’s bank account after verification.
• The fixed deposit portion will be released after 3 years.
• Only Hindu inter-caste marriages are eligible for this specific scheme.
• If either of the partners belongs to other religions, they are not eligible under this scheme.

🔹 Scheme Overview at a Glance

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🔹 Final Thoughts

This initiative by the Karnataka government is not just a financial scheme—it’s a symbol of social progress. By supporting inter-caste marriages, the government is working towards a more inclusive, respectful, and egalitarian society.

If you or someone you know is eligible for this scheme, don’t miss the opportunity. It’s more than just financial help—it’s a step toward breaking barriers and building unity.

🔹 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

❓ What is the purpose of this scheme?

To promote social integration and financial independence of SC individuals who marry outside their caste within the Hindu community.

❓ Who can apply?

Only Karnataka residents where one partner is SC and the other is a non-SC Hindu. Both must follow Hinduism.

❓ Is there a deadline to apply?

Yes, couples must apply within 18 months of marriage.

❓ How much money do couples receive?

• SC Woman + Non-SC Man → ₹3,00,000
• SC Man + Non-SC Woman → ₹2,50,000

❓ Can NRIs or residents of other states apply?

No. Only residents of Karnataka are eligible.