Shubhmangal Vivah Yojana: A Marriage Support Scheme for Farmers’ Daughters in Maharashtra, Detailed information
In Maharashtra, the Shubhmangal Vivah Yojana is a significant initiative designed to provide financial assistance to the daughters of farmers and farm laborers, specifically for their weddings. This scheme aims to ease the financial burden that often falls on these economically disadvantaged families when arranging a marriage. Through this program, the state government offers monetary support to cover essential wedding expenses, ensuring that the daughters of farmers and farm laborers can marry without placing a financial strain on their families.
Objectives of the Scheme
The primary goal of the Shubhmangal Vivah Yojana is to provide economic relief to poor families engaged in farming or farm labor. Recognizing the significant costs associated with weddings, this scheme offers financial aid to cover the purchase of essential items like a “mangalsutra” (a sacred necklace worn by married women) and other necessary wedding goods. By offering this support, the scheme helps prevent families from needing to borrow money or rely on others to meet wedding expenses.
Key Features of Shubhmangal Vivah Yojana
The Shubhmangal Vivah Yojana is implemented by the Department of Women and Child Development of Maharashtra. It is administered through the District Planning Development Committee (DPDC) to ensure that the funds reach the eligible beneficiaries.
One notable feature of the scheme is the provision of INR 10,000 to each eligible bride, which is directly deposited into her or her parents’ bank account through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). Additionally, NGOs organizing the mass wedding ceremonies receive an incentive of INR 2,000 per couple, which helps cover the costs associated with organizing the event, such as registration fees and related expenses.
Eligibility Criteria
To benefit from the Shubhmangal Vivah Yojana, certain eligibility criteria must be met:
- Residence: The bride must be a permanent resident of Maharashtra.
- Family Background: The scheme is specifically for daughters of farmers or farm laborers whose annual family income does not exceed INR 1 lakh.
- Age Requirements: The bride must be at least 18 years old, and the groom must be at least 21 years old on the day of the wedding.
- Marital Status: The scheme is only available for first-time marriages. However, widows or divorcees are also eligible for financial support if they are remarrying.
- Mass Wedding Participation: Couples who participate in mass wedding ceremonies organized by registered NGOs are eligible for the additional INR 2,000 incentive. Couples who prefer to marry in a registration office without participating in a mass wedding event can still receive the INR 10,000 grant.
Required Documents
Applicants need to submit the following documents when applying for the scheme:
- Aadhaar Card: Identity proof for both the bride and groom.
- Residence Certificate: Issued by the Gram Sevak or Talathi for rural residents.
- Income Certificate: To prove the family’s annual income is within the eligible limit.
- Bank Account Details: For the direct transfer of funds.
- Marriage Certificate: Proof of marriage registration.
- Proof of Agricultural Background: Such as a copy of the 7/12 land extract.
- Birth Certificate: Or school leaving certificate to verify the ages of the bride and groom.
- Parents’ Consent: If the bride’s parents are alive, their bank details must be provided. If they are deceased, the funds are transferred to the bride’s account directly.
Application Process
The application process for Shubhmangal Vivah Yojana involves several steps:
- Collecting the Form: The bride or her family must visit the local Women and Child Development Department office to collect the application form.
- Filling Out the Form: The form must be filled out with accurate information and all required documents must be attached.
- Submission: The completed application form, along with the necessary documents, should be submitted to the department officials.
- Verification: The submitted documents are verified by the authorities. Once approved, the financial assistance is transferred to the beneficiary’s bank account.
- NGO Participation: If an NGO is organizing a mass wedding ceremony, they must submit the application and documents at least one month prior to the event. They are also responsible for providing a video recording of the ceremony and submitting the marriage registration certificate afterward.
In Short
The Shubhmangal Vivah Yojana is a vital scheme that provides significant relief to economically disadvantaged families in Maharashtra. By supporting the wedding expenses of farmers’ and farm laborers’ daughters, the scheme not only reduces the financial burden on these families but also promotes social equality and empowerment. The carefully structured eligibility criteria and application process ensure that the benefits reach the intended recipients, making this initiative a cornerstone in the state’s social welfare efforts.