Inter Caste Marriage Scheme Manipur

Inter-caste marriages in Manipur have received a significant boost through the introduction of a groundbreaking incentive program offering couples a financial reward of 1.5 lakh rupees. This initiative is not only a testament to the state’s commitment to promoting social harmony and unity but also aims to break down longstanding barriers rooted in caste-based discrimination. By encouraging individuals from diverse castes to come together in matrimony, Manipur is fostering a more inclusive society where love transcends boundaries. This incentive not only provides financial support to couples but also serves as a powerful symbol of the state’s determination to eradicate caste-based prejudices and promote a more equitable and harmonious future for its residents.

Procedure for Inter Caste Marriage Scheme Manipur

Deserving couples should consider either opening a joint bank account or converting their existing account into a joint one. It’s essential to link this bank account with their Aadhaar card.

To apply in person:

1. Visit the local Social Welfare Department office in your area as the first step.
2. For contact details, consult our “CL” section. Additionally, inquire at your local panchayat office to apply for the Manipur Municipalities incentive. To find your district name, select from the provided list under “Districts in Manipur” to proceed. On the following page, choose “PUBLIC UTILITIES” > “Municipalities” to access contact information. For Panchayat details, use the provided Excel sheet hyperlink corresponding to your state/UT.
3. At the respective office, meet with the designated authority to understand the application procedure. You can either collect the application form or follow the guidelines to write the necessary information on a plain A4 sheet.
4. Access the application form on page 4.
5. Complete the form and attach all required documents (as listed in the “Required Documents” section).
6. Submit the application to the designated authority.
7. Authorities review the application and documents to verify eligibility. If eligible, the application is accepted.
8. An acknowledgment record number is provided for future reference.
9. The application undergoes further processing.
10. Updates on application status are sent via SMS.
11. Ground-level verification and local inquiry are conducted.
12. Based on verification, the proposal is forwarded to the sanctioning body, including recommendations from local authorities.
13. The sanctioning body evaluates and either approves or rejects the incentive.
14. The applicant is notified of the status via SMS or applicable norms.
15. If approved, the incentive is credited to the joint account in instalments, following government norms.
16. Generally, no fees are charged for this procedure.
17. Completion of the process depends on the department’s work schedule and budget allocation timelines.

Eligibility of Inter Caste Marriage Scheme Manipur

Eligibility criteria for this scheme:

1. Both spouses must be Indian citizens.
2. The applicant should be a permanent resident of their respective state.
3. The marriage must be an inter-caste marriage, with one spouse from a scheduled caste and the other from a non-scheduled caste.
4. The marriage should be legally valid and registered under the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955.
5. Couples with a valid marriage registration certificate are eligible to apply.
6. To qualify for this scheme, the combined income of the couple should not exceed Rs. 5.0 lakhs or the amount set by the state government.
7. Incentives are only provided to those who apply within a year (or 18 months in some states) of marriage, following the timeline set by the respective state.

Required Documents for Inter Caste Marriage Scheme Manipur

• Address proof of the couple (PAN Card /Driving Licence / Bank Passbook / Electricity Bill / Telephone Bill)
• Identity proof of the couple (Voter ID / Passport / Aadhaar card / Driving licence)
• Inter caste marriage certificate
• Marriage certificate from gazetted officer to ensure it is first marriage
• Certificates of age from the authorised officers as advised by the authorities
• Certificate of educational qualification from the authorised officers as advised by the authorities
• Caste certificate of the couple
• Income certificate
• Marriage photo
• Marriage registration certificate
• Ration card
• PAN card of the couple
• Voter ID
• Domicile or residence certificate
• An affidavit of the couple being legally married and in matrimonial alliance.
• Bank account pass book
• Passport size photograph
• Combined photo of husband and wife
• Aadhaar card

Contacts of Inter Caste Marriage Scheme Manipur

Social Welfare Department,

RW9W+W3M, Ragailong, Imphal, Manipur 795001.

Department of Social Justice and Empowerment.

Under Secretary, 

Room No. 253, A-Wing, 

Shastri Bhawan, New Delhi – 110 001. 

Phone: 23389368

Email: pk.singh72@nic.in 

Frequently asked Questions for Inter Caste Marriage Scheme Manipur

Is inter-caste marriage legal in Manipur?

Yes, inter-caste marriages are legal in Manipur as per Indian law. The Special Marriage Act, 1954, allows individuals from different castes, religions, and backgrounds to marry without any discrimination.

What is the procedure for registering an inter-caste marriage in Manipur?

To register an inter-caste marriage in Manipur, couples can visit the local marriage registrar’s office. They will need to submit the required documents, such as identity proof, address proof, and marriage application. After a 30-day notice period, the marriage can be solemnised.

Are there any government incentives or schemes to support inter-caste marriages in Manipur? 

As of my last knowledge update in September 2021, there were no specific government schemes in Manipur solely for inter-caste marriages. However, couples can benefit from various central government initiatives promoting social harmony and inter-caste integration.

How can couples deal with societal and family pressures related to inter-caste marriage in Manipur? 

Coping with societal and family pressures can be challenging. It’s important for couples to have open and respectful communication with their families, seek support from friends or counselling services, and educate their families about the benefits of a diverse and harmonious society.

What legal protections are available to couples facing discrimination or harassment due to their inter-caste marriage in Manipur?

The Indian legal system provides protection against discrimination and harassment based on caste, including within marriage. If couples face any such issues, they can seek legal remedies by reporting incidents to the police or filing a complaint under relevant anti-discrimination laws.