Intercaste marriage, also known as interfaith or mixed marriage, is a marriage between two people who belong to different castes, religions, or ethnicities. In India, where caste and religion play a significant role in society, intercaste marriages have been a subject of debate and controversy for a long time. To encourage and support intercaste marriages, the government of India has launched several schemes and initiatives. In this article, we will discuss the intercaste marriage scheme in India and its benefits.
The intercaste marriage scheme in India was launched in 2013 by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. The scheme aims to provide financial assistance to couples who are getting married outside their caste or religion. The scheme provides a one-time grant of Rs. 2.5 lakh to the couple. To be eligible for the scheme, the couple should belong to different castes or religions and should have a combined income of less than Rs. 5 lakh per annum. ref
The objective of the intercaste marriage scheme is to promote social harmony and reduce caste-based discrimination in society. Intercaste marriages help to break down caste barriers and promote equality among different castes and religions. It also helps to reduce the incidence of honor killings, which are often committed by families who disapprove of intercaste marriages.
Apart from the financial assistance provided by the government, intercaste couples can also avail of other benefits such as scholarships for their children, reservation in government jobs and educational institutions, and exemption from payment of stamp duty and registration fees for property transfer.
However, despite the benefits of intercaste marriages, there are still some challenges that couples may face. One of the major challenges is social stigma and opposition from families and communities. In many cases, families disapprove of intercaste marriages and may resort to threats, violence, or disownment of the couple. This is where the role of government schemes and initiatives becomes crucial in providing support and protection to intercaste couples.
To conclude, the intercaste marriage scheme in India is a step towards promoting social harmony and reducing caste-based discrimination. The scheme provides financial assistance and other benefits to intercaste couples and encourages them to break down caste barriers and promote equality. While there are still challenges and opposition to intercaste marriages, the government's efforts are a positive step towards building a more inclusive and harmonious society.