Introduction:
Karnataka extends significant financial support for certain marriage arrangements through its SC Inter Caste Couple Marriage Assistance Scheme. This initiative includes a notable ₹3 lakh benefit under specified conditions—an important detail often highlighted in broader discussions. Here’s the full picture:

Scheme at a Glance
Name & Purpose
The Karnataka SC Inter Caste Couple Marriage Assistance Scheme, launched in 2015, aims to promote inter-caste marriages and mitigate caste-based discrimination. It supports Schedule Caste individuals marrying non-SC Hindus, helping foster inclusivity and social harmony.
Incentive Structure
The benefits are structured as follows:
- ₹3,00,000 for a SC woman marrying a non-SC man.
- ₹2,50,000 for a SC man marrying a non-SC woman.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible:
- Either the bride or groom must be a permanent Karnataka resident and belong to the SC category.
- The partner must be a Hindu non-SC individual.
- The combined family income must be less than ₹5 lakh per annum.
- The marriage must have occurred on or after April 1, 2018, and the application must be submitted within one year of marriage.
Application Process
Applicants must:
- Fill out the online application on the Social Welfare Department’s portal.
- Provide supporting documents, including domicile, caste and income certificates, Aadhaar details, marriage certificate, bank details, and photographs.
- Once submitted, the District Social Welfare Officer verifies the documents, and upon approval, the financial aid is directly transferred to the beneficiary’s bank account.
Broader Context: Related Schemes in Karnataka
- Simple Marriage Incentive
- Aimed at encouraging simple, debt-free weddings among economically weaker families.
- Typically offers ₹50,000 to eligible couples, depending on specific criteria and scheme versions.
- SC Widow Re-Marriage Assistance Scheme
- Provides ₹3,00,000 to remarried SC widows in Karnataka (₹2.5 lakh if they previously availed assistance under another marriage scheme).
- No income limit, but applications must be submitted within one year of remarriage.
- Mangalya Bhagya Mass Weddings
- Launched in 2020, this initiative organizes free mass weddings for financially disadvantaged couples, covering wedding costs to promote simple ceremonies without debt.
- For instance, a recent ceremony in Nanjangud saw 24 couples married under the scheme, with plans to expand the reach next year.
Significance & Impact
The ₹3 lakh incentive under the Inter Caste Marriage Scheme is one of the highest financial marriage supports available in Karnataka. It plays a dual role in:
- Encouraging social equity, helping break caste barriers through inter-caste unions.
- Alleviating financial burdens, enabling economically disadvantaged couples to marry with greater financial stability.
However, challenges persist regarding:
- Awareness: Not all eligible individuals may be aware of the scheme.
- Accessibility: Some face difficulties navigating bureaucratic procedures or gathering necessary documents.
- Timeliness: Ensuring applications are submitted within the one-year window remains crucial.
Conclusion
The ₹3 lakh Inter Caste Marriage Assistance Scheme is a powerful tool in Karnataka’s social welfare arsenal—advancing both economic support and social integration. While this scheme stands out for its generous incentive, it exists within a broader ecosystem of marriage-related welfare initiatives, each tailored to support different communities and needs. Continued outreach, streamlined processes, and broader awareness can significantly enhance impact and reach.