The Inter-caste Marriage Scheme is a government-sponsored program in Himachal Pradesh the aim of which is to promote social harmony and equality by making inter-caste marriages more popular. The couples can avail themselves of the financial assistance of ₹50,000 under this scheme to help them start their new life.
This article explains the scheme’s benefits, eligibility criteria, required documents, and step-by-step application process.
Benefits of the Inter-caste Marriage Scheme
Himachal Pradesh government is providing financial help to the right inter-caste couples who are the part of this scheme. Both advantages of it are:
- ₹50,000 Financial Assistance – The total sum is transferred directly to the married people’s joint bank account.
- Social Inclusion – In this way, it will be possible to break down barriers and create a peaceful coexistence of different castes and groups of people living in one country.
- One-Time Grant – The money that is given to the couple Is one time Payment without repayment obligation.
Eligibility Criteria for Inter-caste Marriage Scheme
For couples to be eligible for the Himachal Pradesh Inter-caste Marriage Scheme, they must meet the following criteria:
- Residency – At least one partner must have a residential address in Himachal Pradesh.
- Caste Requirement – One the couples must belong to the Scheduled Caste (SC) category.
- Marriage Registration – The marriage must be legally registered using the Special Marriage Act, 1954.
- Income Limit – The aggregate yearly income of the couple should not exceed ₹5 lakh.
- First Marriage Clause – This scheme is undergoing for the first marriages of both partners.

Step-by-Step Guide to Apply for the Scheme
Follow the given steps to apply for the Inter-caste Marriage Scheme in Himachal Pradesh:
Step 1: Register the Marriage
Approach the local marriage registrar’s office and register your marriage under the Special Marriage Act, 1954.
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Step 2: Download the Application Form
Collect the form from the District Social Welfare Office or Download it from the official Himachal Pradesh Government portal.
Step 3: Fill in the Application Details
Fill the name and address details of both partners, caste details of each partner, income and marriage registration data first.
- Name & address of both partners
- Caste details of each partner
- Income information
- Marriage registration details
Step 4: Attach Required Documents
Aspirants need to provide the following proofs to accompany the form:
- Bonafide Himachali Certificate – Shows the hometown of the couple
- Caste Certificates – To prove that the bride/groom is, indeed, from a Scheduled Caste community
- Marriage Certificate – Issued under the Special Marriage Act.
- Income Certificate – That must be submitted to confirm the financial situation of the applicants
- Bank Account Details – For fund disbursement
Step 5: Submit the Application
Submit the completed form and supporting documents, either on the website or by visiting the Welfare office.
Step 6: Verification Process
Officers will inspect the supplied information following which they will decide whether to award a grant or not.
Step 7: Fund Disbursement
Once approved, the goverment transfer ₹50,000 directly to the couple’s bank account.
How to Check Application Status?
Couples can track their Inter-caste Marriage Scheme application status by:
Visiting the District Social Welfare Office
Checking for the official Himachal Pradesh Government portal
Contacting the helpline for updates
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is eligible for the inter-caste marriage scheme?
The marriage of a woman belonging to the Scheduled Caste (SC) and the registered marriage in Himachal Pradesh makes any couple eligible.
2. How much financial assistance is provided?
The Himachal Pradesh government grants ₹50,000 to the eligible inter-caste couples.
3. How long does it take to receive the payment?
Once the application is verified, funds are disbursed within a few months.
4. Can couple from outside Himachal Pradesh can apply for the scheme?
At least one spouse must be a Himachal Pradesh resident to be eligible for the scheme.