The Yogi Adityanath government is set to provide a significant gift to the daughters of backward class families in Uttar Pradesh. The government has announced an increase in the marriage grant for daughters belonging to OBC (Other Backward Classes) families. Previously, the grant amount was ₹20,000, but the government has now decided to raise it to ₹35,000. This decision comes as part of the state’s ongoing efforts to provide financial assistance to families in need, particularly for the marriage of daughters.

Government’s Announcement and Decision on Grant Increase

Narendra Kashyap, the Minister of Backward Classes Welfare in Uttar Pradesh, made the announcement regarding the increase in the marriage grant. He stated that the government is preparing a proposal to implement this increase, and it will be passed soon. The decision comes after taking into account the rising inflation and its impact on the economic conditions of poor families. The increased grant will provide significant financial relief to families from backward classes, helping them bear the financial burden of their daughters’ marriages.

The minister further explained that the increased grant amount is part of a larger initiative to support backward class families in the state. The government has allocated a budget of ₹200 crore for this scheme, ensuring that a large number of families benefit from it. The increased grant amount will go a long way in assisting these families, who are often financially strained when it comes to marriage expenses.

Previous Enhancements in Other Welfare Schemes

In addition to the increased marriage grant for OBC families, the Yogi government had already taken steps to enhance the financial assistance provided under the Chief Minister’s Mass Marriage Scheme (मुख्यमंत्री सामूहिक विवाह योजना). Initially, the grant under this scheme was ₹51,000 per couple. However, the government doubled the amount to ₹1 lakh per couple, making the scheme more beneficial for families.

Under this scheme, ₹60,000 is directly transferred to the bride’s bank account, while an additional ₹25,000 is provided for marriage-related expenses. This includes items such as clothes, utensils, bags, fans, mattresses, pillows, bed sheets, blankets, and clocks. Furthermore, ₹15,000 is allocated for the marriage event itself. This comprehensive financial support is designed to help the families of brides who may otherwise find it difficult to meet the expenses associated with the wedding ceremony.

Raising the Income Limit for Beneficiaries

In an effort to ensure that more eligible beneficiaries can take advantage of the scheme, the government has raised the income limits for applicants. This adjustment will allow a larger section of the population to benefit from the financial aid offered under the Chief Minister’s Mass Marriage Scheme.

To avail of the benefits of this scheme, applicants must meet certain criteria. For instance, the bride must be at least 18 years old, while the groom must be 21 years or older. Proof of age, such as school educational records, birth certificates, voter ID cards, or Aadhaar cards, must be provided to confirm the eligibility of the individuals involved.

Applicants can submit their applications online through the official website of the Chief Minister’s Mass Marriage Scheme at cmsvy.upsdc.gov.in. Alternatively, they can also apply through any public service center or cyber café.

Important Guidelines for Application Process

When filling out the online application form, both the bride and the groom must upload certain mandatory documents. These include Aadhaar cards, income certificates issued by the tehsil, caste certificates for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes applicants, and a copy of the bank passbook.

Additionally, the scheme also accommodates the remarriage of widows, divorced, or deserted women. In such cases, the applicants must provide relevant proof, such as a death certificate of the deceased husband or a copy of the court order in case of a divorce. This ensures that the scheme benefits not only unmarried women but also those who may have faced unfortunate circumstances in their previous marriages.

Significance of the Increased Grant for OBC Families

The increase in the marriage grant is a significant move by the Yogi government to provide much-needed financial assistance to backward class families. Marriage expenses often pose a major challenge for economically disadvantaged families. This financial support will alleviate some of the burdens and help ensure that daughters from such families do not face financial constraints when it comes to their weddings.

The increased grant of ₹35,000 for OBC families will help them meet various wedding-related expenses, such as arranging for marriage ceremonies, purchasing wedding attire, and hosting the celebrations. It also reflects the government’s ongoing commitment to uplifting the economically weaker sections of society.

Long-Term Impact on the Backward Classes Community

The increase in the marriage grant is likely to have a long-term positive impact on the backward classes community in Uttar Pradesh. By offering financial aid for marriage expenses, the government is making it easier for families to give their daughters a dignified wedding. Moreover, the scheme fosters social inclusion and ensures that daughters from backward classes have the same opportunities for a joyful marriage as those from more affluent families.

Moreover, the state government’s initiative will encourage social welfare schemes that help empower women. By providing financial support for their weddings, the government is also contributing to the overall empowerment of women in these communities, which is a significant step toward reducing gender inequality.

The Yogi government’s efforts to enhance welfare programs, including marriage grants, demonstrate a deep understanding of the challenges faced by marginalized communities. As inflation continues to rise, such initiatives are crucial to providing relief and ensuring that every citizen has the opportunity to live with dignity.

Looking ahead, it is expected that similar welfare programs will be expanded and further enhanced to support the socio-economic development of backward classes. The increased marriage grant is just one of many initiatives designed to uplift disadvantaged communities, and it is hoped that these programs will continue to evolve in response to the needs of the population.

In conclusion, the Uttar Pradesh government’s decision to increase the marriage grant for daughters from OBC families is a timely and much-needed intervention. By providing financial support to families, the government is ensuring that the daughters of backward class families can enjoy their weddings without undue financial strain. This decision, along with other welfare measures, marks a significant step toward the socio-economic upliftment of backward classes and reinforces the government’s commitment to creating an equitable society for all.