Incentive Award 2026: ₹50,000 for Inter-Caste Couples
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Quick answer
The Incentive Award to Inter-Caste Married Couples gives ₹50,000 (₹20,000 cash + ₹30,000 NSC) to first‑time inter‑caste marriages between SC and other communities in Puducherry. Both bride and groom must be Indian citizens, married for the first time, and at least one must be a native of Puducherry. Apply online via the e‑District portal or offline at the Adi Dravidar Welfare office.
At a glance
| Main benefit | ₹50,000 award |
| Ministry / department | Adi Dravidar Welfare Department, Puducherry |
| Level | State Government (Puducherry) |
| Application mode | Online & offline |
About the scheme
The scheme "Incentive Award to Inter-Caste Married Couples" is run by the Adi Dravidar Welfare Department of Puducherry to encourage inter‑caste marriages and reduce untouchability. It offers a monetary award of ₹50,000, split into ₹20,000 cash and a ₹30,000 National Saving Certificate, to couples who are first‑time married between a Scheduled Caste member and a person from another community, provided they are Indian citizens and at least one is a native of Puducherry. The application can be made online through the e‑District portal or offline at the welfare office.
Benefits
- ₹50,000 award (₹20,000 cash + ₹30,000 National Saving Certificate)
Who can apply (eligibility)
- Both bride and groom must be citizens of India
- Marriage must be between a Scheduled Caste and another community
- Marriage must be registered
- It must be the first marriage of the bride and groom
- At least one of them must be a native of Puducherry
- Application must be submitted within 60 days of the marriage
Documents required
- Residence-cum-nativity Certificate
- Aadhaar Card of the Bride
- Aadhaar Card of the Bridegroom
- Bank Pass Book of the Joint A/C
- Birth Certificate or TC of the Bride
- Birth Certificate or TC of the Bridegroom
- Caste Certificate of the Bride
- Caste Certificate of the Bridegroom
- First Marriage Certificate obtained from MLA/MP
- Marriage Registration Certificate
- NOC from the State Government
- Recent passport-size photograph of the Applicant
- Voter Card of the Bride
- Voter Card of the Bridegroom
How to apply
- 1Visit the e‑District portal of Puducherry (https://edistrict.py.gov.in/).
- 2Click "Login" and then "Register a New Membership" to create an account.
- 3Fill in mandatory fields (username, password, personal details) and submit.
- 4Log in with your credentials.
- 5Browse the list of schemes and select "Incentive Award to Inter‑Caste Married Couples".
- 6Open the online application form and fill all mandatory fields marked with a red asterisk.
- 7Upload required documents and tick the declaration.
- 8Submit the application and note the application number for tracking.
- 9Track your application via the portal using the application number.
- 10Alternatively, visit the Adi Dravidar Welfare office during office hours.
- 11Request a hard copy of the prescribed application form and fill it out.
- 12Submit the signed form along with all required documents to the office.
- 13Request a receipt containing the submission details and a unique identification number.
Frequently asked questions
What forms of recognition and support does the scheme provide to the married couples?+
The awarded sum of 50,000, including cash and a National Saving Certificate, acknowledges and supports the inter-caste married couples.
Can the scheme be availed for marriages involving non-citizens of India?+
No, the scheme is exclusively for Indian citizens, emphasizing the significance of inter-caste marriages within the country.
How does the scheme contribute to societal change?+
The scheme serves as a step towards fostering a casteless society by encouraging inter-caste marriages.
Is there a specific department overseeing this scheme?+
The "Incentive Award to Inter-Caste Married Couples" is managed by the Adi Dravidar Welfare Department under the Government of Puducherry.
Can you elaborate on the time limit for submitting the application?+
Applications must be submitted within 60 days from the date of the marriage ceremony to be considered.
What is the geographical requirement for eligibility?+
Either the bride or groom must be a native of Puducherry for the couple to be eligible for the scheme.
Are there any specific conditions regarding the marital history of the couple?+
The marriage should be the first-time union between the bride and groom to qualify for the scheme.
What is the monetary value of the award provided under this scheme?+
The award holds a value of 50,000, distributed as 20,000 in cash and 30,000 in the form of a National Saving Certificate.
NaukriZila is not a government website. Apply only on the official portal; never pay anyone to apply for a government scheme. Source: myScheme (Government of India)