Can marriage bridge caste divides? The Dr. Ambedkar Inter-Caste Marriage Scheme offers ₹2.5 lakh financial assistance to inter-caste couples where one partner belongs to a Scheduled Caste (SC) and the other to a non-SC community, fostering social unity.
In this article, you’ll learn about the scheme’s eligibility, application process, required documents, and its impact on promoting equality across India.
Read on to understand how this initiative empowers inter-caste couples and supports inclusive change.
Why Inter-Caste Couples Need Financial Support
Many inter-caste couples face serious problems when marrying outside their caste. They may be threatened, attacked, or completely cut off by their families and society.
Even if they move away, their relatives can still face harassment, social boycott, or property damage in their home villages.
The Dr. Ambedkar Inter-Caste Marriage Scheme aims to reduce caste-based discrimination by encouraging inter-caste marriages. It helps such couples start a new life with dignity, security, and hope for a better future.
What Is the Dr. Ambedkar Inter-Caste Marriage Scheme?
The Dr. Ambedkar Scheme for Social Integration through Inter-Caste Marriages, launched in 2013 by the Dr. Ambedkar Foundation under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
It offers ₹2.5 lakh to 500 eligible couples annually across India, where either the bride or groom is a Dalit.
Funds are disbursed in two parts: ₹1.5 lakh first payment is transferred directly to the couple’s joint bank account within 3 to 4 weeks, and ₹1 lakh is deposited as a fixed deposit for three years, then released with interest.
Eligibility Criteria for Dr. Ambedkar Foundation’s Inter-caste Marriage Incentive Scheme
To be eligible for the 2.5 lakhs amount of SC inter-caste marriage incentive offered by the Dr. Ambedkar Foundation (with a national annual target of 500 couples and no state-wise quota), applicants must meet the following conditions:
- Caste Requirement: Either the husband or the wife must belong to a Scheduled Caste (SC) community.
- Marriage Certification: The marriage must be registered under the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955.
- First Marriage Condition: Both individuals must be entering into their first marriage.
Documents Required for Dr. Ambedkar Inter-Caste Marriage Scheme:
- A copy of the marriage certificate
- Caste certificate of the SC spouse
- OBC/ST/DNC/OC/General Caste Certificate for Non-SC
- A joint bank account in the names of both husband and wife, which must be Aadhaar-linked
- Aadhaar details for both spouses.
- ₹10 non-judicial stamp paper
- A formal recommendation letter for the proposal from either:
- A sitting Member of Parliament (MP)
- A sitting Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA)
- The District Collector / Deputy Commissioner
- an affidavit confirming that this is the first marriage for both spouses. This ensures eligibility, as the scheme excludes second or subsequent marriages.
- If married under a different Act (other than Hindu), submit a certificate as per Annexure-1
- Aadhaar Card should have complete Date of Birth (DD/MM/YEAR)
- All enclosures should be self attested and required to be submitted in Hindi or English only
Is a Panchayat Marriage Certificate Valid for Dr. Ambedkar Inter-Caste Marriage Scheme?
No, a certificate issued only by the Gram Panchayat is generally not considered valid legal proof of marriage under Indian law unless it is supported by formal registration at the Sub-Registrar Office.
It may be accepted as supporting evidence, but it cannot replace a legally registered marriage certificate required for schemes like the Dr. Ambedkar Inter-Caste Marriage Scheme.
What You Should Do:
Visit your local Sub-Registrar Office and get your marriage legally registered under the Hindu Marriage Act or the Special Marriage Act to ensure eligibility for the scheme.
Why You Need a Pre-Stamped Receipt for the Ambedkar Inter-Caste Marriage Incentive
A Pre-Stamped Receipt is a legal document that confirms the couple’s acknowledgment of receiving the financial incentive under the scheme. It is required for the following reasons:
- It acts as official proof that the couple has received (or is about to receive) ₹1.5 lakh as the first installment.
- It serves as a legal safeguard for the government, ensuring the funds are disbursed transparently and to genuine beneficiaries.
- The receipt confirms the couple’s acceptance of the terms and conditions of the scheme, including the 3-year fixed deposit clause.
- The use of ₹10 non-judicial stamp paper gives the receipt legal validity and helps prevent misuse.
How to Get or Make the Pre-Stamped Receipt?
- Buy a ₹10 non-judicial stamp paper from a licensed stamp vendor or e-stamp center.
- Type or print the Pre-Stamped Receipt format on it (see sample below).
- Get it signed by both husband and wife, and two witnesses.
- Optionally, get it notarized at a local notary office.
- Submit the signed receipt along with the complete application package to the District Collector/Magistrate or through your State/UT Government.
Sample Pre-Stamped Receipt Format
PRE-STAMPED RECEIPT
We, the undersigned,
1. Name of Husband: ___________________________
Address: _______________________________________
Caste: _________________________________________
2. Name of Wife: ________________________________
Address:________________________________________
Caste: __________________________________________
We do hereby acknowledge the receipt of an amount of Rs.1,50,000/- (Rupees One Lakh Fifty Thousand only) from the Dr. Ambedkar Foundation, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, under the Dr. Ambedkar Scheme for Social Integration through Inter-Caste Marriages.
This amount is part of the total incentive of Rs. 2.50 lakh, and the remaining Rs. 1 lakh will be kept in a Fixed Deposit for 3 years as per the scheme guidelines.
We confirm that this is our first marriage, and the marriage has been legally registered under the Hindu Marriage Act / other applicable act.
Date: ___________
Place: ___________
Signature of Husband: ___________________________
Name: ___________________________
Signature of Wife: _______________________________
Name: ___________________________
Witnesses:
1. ______________________ (Signature & Name)
2. ______________________ (Signature & Name)
How to apply for Dr. Ambedkar's marriage scheme?
Application Proforma:
Download the Dr Ambedkar Foundation marriage Scheme application form and fill it out completely
Obtain Recommendation:
Contact a sitting Member of Parliament (MP), Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA), or District Collector/Magistrate to recommend your application.
Submit Application:
Submit the completed application form along with all required documents to the Dr. Ambedkar Foundation through the State/UT Government, District Magistrate, District Collector, or Deputy Commissioner
Note: Timeline for Submission: Applications must be submitted within one year of the marriage date to be considered.
Why Did I Receive Only ₹1.5 Lakh Instead of ₹2.5 Lakh Under the Ambedkar Marriage Scheme?
There are two possible reasons why you may have received only ₹1.5 lakh instead of the full ₹2.5 lakh benefit:
State or UT government support already received:
If you have previously received financial support for your inter-caste marriage from your State Government or Union Territory Administration, that amount is deducted from the ₹2.5 lakh eligible under this Central scheme.
Example: If your state gave you ₹1 lakh, you will get the remaining ₹1.5 lakh through this scheme.
Full amount is not paid all at once:
According to the scheme rules, only ₹1.5 lakh is transferred initially to your joint bank account. The remaining amount is pending under the fixed deposit clause and will be credited three years after the sanction.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Dr. Ambedkar Inter-Caste Marriage Scheme:
(1). Are inter-caste couples from different States eligible for the Dr. Ambedkar Marriage Scheme?
Ans: Yes, inter-caste couples from different States are eligible for the Dr. Ambedkar Scheme, as long as all other conditions are met.
The scheme does not restrict eligibility based on the couple's state of origin or residence.
If the couple resides in a different state from where the marriage was registered, they should apply to the appropriate State/UT Government or District Authority where they currently reside or where the marriage was registered, as per the scheme's procedural requirements.
(2). Are Inter-Religion Marriage Couples Eligible for the Dr. Ambedkar Inter-Caste Marriage Scheme?
Ans: Yes, inter-religion marriage couples are eligible for the Dr. Ambedkar Scheme, provided one of the spouses belongs to a Scheduled Caste (SC) and the marriage is legally valid and duly registered.
For marriages not registered under the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955—such as Christian, Muslim, or civil marriages—the couple must submit a Religion Certificate and Annexure-I as proof of their legal matrimonial alliance.
(3). What is the income limit for this scheme to be eligible?
Ans: According to the new rule of intercaste marriage under the Dr. Ambedkar foundation, there is no income limit for eligibility, as the previous Rs. 5 lakh per annum cap was removed to make the scheme accessible to all inter-caste couples.
(4). What are the Contact details for the Ambedkar Foundation?
Ans: Dr. Ambedkar Foundation,
Jeevan Prakash Building,
9th Floor, 25 k.g. Marg,
New Delhi - 110001
(5). Can individuals apply directly to the Dr. Ambedkar Foundation at the New Delhi address?
Ans: No, individuals cannot apply directly to the Dr. Ambedkar Foundation at the New Delhi address.
As per the scheme guidelines, applications must be forwarded and recommended through the proper State/UT Government or District Authority. Direct submissions are not accepted.
Final Thoughts
If you're a newly married couple where one partner belongs to the Scheduled Caste and your marriage was registered, you’re already one step closer to claiming your rightful support under Dr. Ambedkar Inter-caste Marriage Scheme.
But don’t stop at eligibility — the real key is documentation. Focus on getting your caste certificates verified, ensure your joint bank account is active, and don’t miss the 1-year deadline from the date of marriage.
Many eligible couples miss out simply because they delay or overlook small formalities. Don’t let that happen to you. If your inter-caste marriage reflects courage and love, let the scheme support you financially and symbolically.