Objectives and Institutional Mandate
Administered under state social integration guidelines in synergy with the Dr. Ambedkar Scheme for Social Integration through Inter-Caste Marriages, this initiative seeks to dismantle deep-seated caste prejudices and encourage social cohesion in rural and urban Bihar.
The Bihar Government provides a one-time financial incentive disbursed as a fixed deposit in the joint name of the couple, providing initial economic stability and security for the newly formed household.
- Social Integration: Encourages inter-caste unions to break down historical caste barriers.
- Economic Support: Financial assistance provided as a long-term fixed deposit in partner banks.
- Protection and Dignity: Reinforces legal rights and societal protection for inter-caste couples.
Eligibility Criteria and Marriage Conditions
To qualify under the Bihar Inter-Caste Marriage Scheme, one spouse must belong to a recognized Scheduled Caste (SC) of Bihar, while the other spouse must belong to a Hindu non-scheduled caste (General or OBC category). Both partners must be bona fide residents of Bihar.
The marriage must be the first marriage for both spouses and must be legally solemnized and registered under the Special Marriage Act, 1954 or Hindu Marriage Act, 1955. Applications must typically be submitted within one year of marriage registration.
- Category Requirement: One spouse SC and one spouse non-SC; both must be permanent residents of Bihar.
- Legal Registration: Marriage legally registered under statutory civil marriage registration acts.
- First Marriage Mandate: Both bride and groom must be entering their first marriage.
- Age Benchmarks: Bride must be at least 18 years and groom at least 21 years at the time of marriage.
Application Workflow and Digital Portal Submission
Couples can submit applications online through the Bihar Right to Public Services (RTPS) portal (serviceonline.bihar.gov.in) or submit documentation directly to the District Social Welfare Office (Assistant Director, Social Security).
Required attachments include the legal marriage registration certificate, caste certificates of both spouses, joint bank account details, residential certificates, and a joint marriage photograph. After scrutiny and field verification, the financial grant is sanctioned.
- Required Documentation: Marriage certificate, SC certificate of spouse, domicile proofs, joint bank passbook, and affidavits.
- Direct Fixed Deposit: Funds placed in a joint fixed deposit with a mandatory lock-in period to ensure long-term stability.
- RTPS Online Tracking: Application progress can be tracked transparently on the Bihar RTPS portal.
Official source
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Social Welfare Department, Government of Bihar ↗Related on KisanPe
Common questions
What is the Bihar Inter-Caste Marriage Incentive Scheme?
It is a social integration scheme by the Bihar Social Welfare Department providing a financial incentive to couples where one spouse is SC and the other is non-SC.
Is legal marriage registration mandatory to claim the incentive?
Yes, the marriage must be legally registered under the Special Marriage Act or Hindu Marriage Act with a valid certificate.
Where can couples apply for the scheme in Bihar?
Couples can apply online through the Bihar RTPS portal (serviceonline.bihar.gov.in) or offline at the District Social Welfare Office.
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