Buldhana: subsidy stuck for 95 inter-caste couples
In Buldhana district, subsidies under the inter-caste marriage incentive scheme remain pending for 95 couples, 30 from last year and 65 from this year.
The state government runs the Inter-caste Marriage Incentive Scheme under its untouchability eradication programme. The scheme was started to reduce caste discrimination in society and promote social harmony, with the main aim of giving couples who marry across castes financial support after their wedding. However, it has emerged that in Buldhana district, the subsidy for as many as 95 couples who applied under the scheme is still pending, 30 from last year and 65 from this year.
Over the past year, 65 inter-caste couples in the district submitted applications for financial assistance under the scheme. Applications from 30 couples from the year before that have also not yet been settled. As a result, the total number of beneficiaries waiting for the subsidy has reached 95. The financial help under this scheme is important for inter-caste couples in the initial period after marriage, since newly married couples starting a household feel a greater financial need at that time. But despite submitting applications, there is a delay in receiving the subsidy, leaving these couples waiting.
To avail the scheme, couples must submit certain documents, including a marriage registration certificate, caste certificate, residence certificate, Aadhaar card, PAN card and a photocopy of a joint bank account. After submitting all these documents, eligible couples are given financial assistance of Rs 50,000 by the government in the initial period. This assistance is considered important for newly married couples.
The concerned department has received a fund of Rs 30 lakh from the government, and it has been stated by the department that this fund will soon be disbursed to pending eligible beneficiaries. However, given the number of pending applications, it is also clear that the fund received is not sufficient.
Pramod Endole, in-charge Social Welfare Officer of Zilla Parishad Buldhana, said that a fund of Rs 30 lakh has been received from the government, but since more funds are needed, a request for additional funds has been made. He clarified that once the funds are received next month, the total 95 couples, 30 from last year and 65 from this year, will be given the funds.
