Supporting Persons with Disabilities in Maharashtra (Marriage)

The Matrimonial Incentives Scheme is a welfare initiative launched by the Department of Social Justice and Special Assistance, Government of Maharashtra. This scheme aims to provide financial support to Persons with Disabilities (PwD) who marry a non-disabled individual. The government recognizes the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities, especially when it comes to personal and social acceptance, and aims to promote inclusive marriages. This scheme is intended to encourage the marriage of Persons with Disabilities by offering a financial incentive to the couples, helping to ease the financial burden associated with marriage and promoting greater social inclusion.

The scheme offers financial assistance of up to ₹50,000 for eligible couples. It is entirely funded by the Government of Maharashtra, reflecting the state’s commitment to supporting its disabled population and facilitating their integration into mainstream society.

Objectives of the Matrimonial Incentives Scheme

The primary objective of the Matrimonial Incentives Scheme is to encourage marriages between Persons with Disabilities and non-disabled individuals. The government recognizes that individuals with disabilities often face additional societal and financial challenges, and this scheme is designed to ease some of those challenges by providing financial support. The incentives offered by the scheme aim to:

1. Promote social inclusion by encouraging marriages between PwDs and non-disabled individuals.
2. Provide financial assistance to alleviate the costs associated with marriage for persons with disabilities.
3. Support the independence and integration of persons with disabilities into family and societal life by facilitating marriage.
4. Enhance awareness about the importance of equality and inclusion for persons with disabilities.

Benefits of the Matrimonial Incentives Scheme

Under the Matrimonial Incentives Scheme, the eligible couples receive financial assistance in the form of multiple benefits. The total incentive amount provided can go up to ₹50,000. The breakdown of the benefits is as follows:

1. Saving Certificate of ₹25,000: This part of the financial assistance is given in the form of a saving certificate, which the couple can redeem after a certain period. This savings certificate helps ensure long-term financial support for the couple, fostering financial security in the early years of marriage.
2. ₹20,000 in Cash: This part of the incentive is provided directly as cash, giving the couple immediate access to funds for marriage-related expenses or household requirements. This immediate financial assistance helps meet the short-term needs associated with the wedding ceremony or the couple’s initial setup.
3. ₹4,500 for Household Utility: The scheme provides ₹4,500 in the form of household utility assistance. This amount can be used to purchase essential household items like kitchenware, furniture, and other basic necessities required for setting up a home.
4. ₹500 to Attend the Marriage Incentive Program: A nominal amount of ₹500 is provided to the couple to attend the marriage incentive program. This amount is intended to cover any expenses associated with the program, such as transportation and other related costs.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the Matrimonial Incentives Scheme, the applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria set by the Government of Maharashtra. The eligibility requirements are as follows:

1. Citizenship:
   • The applicant must be an Indian citizen.
2. Permanent Residency:
   • The applicant should be a permanent resident of the state of Maharashtra. Only residents of Maharashtra are eligible to apply for this scheme.
3. Disability:
   • The applicant should be a Person with Disability (PwD), such as:
     • Visually Handicapped
     • Hearing Impaired
     • Orthopedically Handicapped
     • Or those with other recognized disabilities.
   • The disability percentage should be 40% or more as certified by a competent medical authority.
4. Marriage Criteria:
   • The applicant must be married to a non-disabled person. The marriage should be legally recognized and registered.
5. Other Conditions:
   • The applicant must submit valid documentation to verify all the criteria mentioned above.
   • The application must be submitted within a reasonable time after marriage, as per the rules and regulations set by the district authorities.

Application Process

The process for applying to the Matrimonial Incentives Scheme is primarily offline. Interested applicants must follow the steps outlined below:

Step 1: Visit the District Social Welfare Office

The first step for applying is to visit the District Social Welfare Office in the area where the applicant resides. At the office, applicants can request a hard copy of the application form for the Matrimonial Incentives Scheme from the concerned authority.

Step 2: Fill in the Application Form

Once the application form is received, the applicant must fill in the necessary details, including personal information, details about the marriage, and disability. In addition to filling out the form, applicants must attach the following documents (mentioned in the next section).

• A passport-sized photograph of the applicant, signed across.
• All mandatory fields in the form must be filled correctly.

Step 3: Submit the Completed Application Form

After filling out the form, applicants must submit the duly signed application form along with all required documents to the District Social Welfare Office.

Step 4: Acknowledgment Receipt

Upon successful submission, applicants must request an acknowledgment receipt or confirmation of submission from the District Social Welfare Office. This receipt serves as proof that the application has been submitted and is being processed.

Documents Required

To apply for the Matrimonial Incentives Scheme, the following documents need to be submitted along with the application form:

1. Aadhaar Card: Proof of identity.
2. Passport-Sized Photographs (2): Signed across, as per the application guidelines.
3. Residential Certificate / Domicile Certificate: This verifies the applicant’s permanent residence in Maharashtra.
4. Disability Certificate: This certificate must be issued by a recognized medical authority, stating the nature and percentage of the disability. The disability should be at least 40%.
5. Bank Account Details: Information such as bank name, branch name, account number, IFSC code, and other relevant details for the disbursement of funds.
6. Proof of Age: Documents like a Birth Certificate, Marksheet of Class 10th/12th, etc., to verify the applicant’s age.
7. Marriage Proof: The Marriage Certificate or any official proof of marriage that is legally recognized.
8. Any Other Documents: The District Social Welfare Office may require other documents depending on the specific case or their requirements.

Disbursement of Incentive

Once the application is processed and approved, the incentive amount of up to ₹50,000 will be disbursed to the eligible couple. The disbursement includes:

• A savings certificate of ₹25,000
• A cash amount of ₹20,000
• ₹4,500 for household utility
• A token amount of ₹500 to attend the marriage incentive program.

The funds will be transferred according to the format established by the District Social Welfare Office. The savings certificate and other disbursements may have specific timelines or conditions, which will be communicated to the beneficiaries.

Conclusion

The Matrimonial Incentives Scheme by the Government of Maharashtra is a positive and inclusive initiative aimed at promoting marriage between Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) and non-disabled individuals. The scheme provides crucial financial support to ease the financial burden on couples, helping them set up their new homes and start their married life on a secure footing. With a range of benefits, including savings certificates, cash assistance, and household utilities, the scheme fosters social inclusion and encourages the empowerment of disabled individuals.

By providing these financial incentives, the Maharashtra government demonstrates its commitment to building a more inclusive society where Persons with Disabilities have equal opportunities to lead a fulfilling life. Through schemes like this, the government plays a vital role in changing societal attitudes towards disability and ensuring that individuals with disabilities can access the same opportunities as everyone else, especially in the context of marriage and family life.