This initiative is designed to promote social harmony, equality, and integration by supporting marriages between caste Hindus and members of the Scheduled Caste (SC) community. To support such couples, the state government offers financial assistance of ₹2.5 lakh.
The scheme aims to reduce caste-based discrimination and strengthen the constitutional values of liberty, equality, and fraternity. Eligible couples can submit their application online through the Sumangal Portal.
Inter Caste Marriage Scheme Odisha 2026 Overview
| Scheme Name | Inter Caste Marriage Incentive Scheme |
| State | Odisha |
| Implementing Department | ST & SC Development, Minorities & Backward Classes Welfare Department |
| Beneficiaries | Inter-caste married couples |
| Financial Assistance | ₹2,50,000 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Official Website | sumangal.odisha.gov.in |
Incentive Amount Under the Scheme
Under the Inter Caste Marriage Scheme, the Government of Odisha provides a financial incentive of ₹2.5 lakh to eligible couples.This financial support can be used for various purposes such as:
- Purchasing land
- Buying essential household items
- Starting a small business or livelihood activity
- Supporting initial family expenses
Eligibility Criteria
To receive benefits under this scheme, couples must meet the following conditions:- The marriage must be between a Scheduled Caste (SC) individual and a caste Hindu belonging to the Hindu community.
- The marriage must be legally valid and registered under the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955.
- Both spouses must be citizens of India and permanent residents of Odisha.
- The husband and wife must follow the Hindu religion.
- At least one spouse must belong to the Scheduled Caste category as defined under Article 341 of the Constitution of India.
- The incentive is available only for the first marriage.
- If the bride is a widow or the groom is a widower, the couple may still be eligible if this is clearly mentioned in the marriage registration certificate.
- Second or subsequent marriages are not eligible for the incentive.
- The marriage must have been solemnized after the date of the relevant government resolution issued for the scheme.
Documents Required
Applicants must upload scanned copies of the following documents while submitting the online application:- Registered Marriage Certificate
- Caste Certificates of both spouses indicating community and sub-caste
- Joint photograph of the couple (husband and wife)
- Signed declaration forms (Annexure II and Annexure IV)
- Joint bank passbook of the couple from a Government or nationalized bank
- Date of Birth certificates of both spouses
How to Apply Online for Inter Caste Marriage Scheme Odisha
Couples can apply for the scheme online through the Sumangal Odisha Portal by following these steps:- Visit the official portal at www.sumangal.odisha.gov.in
- Click on the Register option on the homepage.
- Enter your Name, Email ID, Aadhaar linked Mobile number and verify it using the OTP received.
- Create your login credentials.
- Log in to the Sumangal Odisha Portal using your phone number and password.
- Select the Inter Caste Marriage Incentive Scheme from the available services.
- Fill out the online application form carefully.
- Upload the required documents.
- Review the information and submit the application.
Application Approval Process
Once the application is submitted, the following process usually takes place:- The application is reviewed by the district authorities.
- Documents submitted by the couple are verified.
- In some cases, officials may conduct field verification.
- After successful verification, the application is approved.
- The incentive amount is then transferred to the couple’s bank account.
Important Points to Remember
- The incentive benefit is provided only once per couple.
- The scheme is applicable only to eligible inter-caste marriages as defined by the government.
- Applicants should submit the application soon after the marriage registration.
- Providing incorrect details or fake documents may result in rejection of the application.
- Couples must ensure that all documents uploaded on the portal are clear and valid.
Benefits of the Inter Caste Marriage Scheme
This scheme offers several important benefits:- Encourages inter-caste marriages in society
- Promotes social equality and integration
- Helps reduce untouchability and caste discrimination
- Provides financial support to newly married couples
- Supports couples in establishing a stable livelihood
Conclusion
The Inter Caste Marriage Scheme Odisha is an important social initiative introduced by the state government to encourage equality and harmony in society. By providing financial assistance of ₹2.5 lakh, the scheme supports couples who choose to marry beyond caste boundaries.Eligible couples can easily apply through the Sumangal Odisha Portal and submit their documents online. After successful verification, the approved amount is transferred to the couple’s bank account, helping them start their new life with financial support.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is the incentive amount under the Inter Caste Marriage Scheme Odisha?Eligible couples can receive ₹2.5 lakh as financial assistance from the Government of Odisha.
Q2. Who can apply for the Inter Caste Marriage Scheme in Odisha?
Couples where one spouse belongs to the Scheduled Caste category and the other belongs to a caste Hindu community, and whose marriage is legally registered under the Hindu Marriage Act.
Q3. Where can I apply for the Inter Caste Marriage Scheme Odisha?
Applications can be submitted online through the Sumangal Odisha Portal at sumangal.odisha.gov.in.
Q4. Is the incentive available for second marriages?
No. The incentive is generally provided only for the first marriage, except in cases where the bride is a widow or the groom is a widower.
Q5. What documents are required for the application?
Applicants must submit documents such as the marriage certificate, caste certificates, joint photograph, declaration forms, joint bank passbook, and date of birth certificates.
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