Bhubaneswar: To encourage inter-caste marriage in Odisha, the state government on Tuesday hiked the amount it gives as an incentive to the man or woman who chooses to marry outside the caste to Rs 2.5 lakh. Earlier, it was Rs 1 lakh.
A marriage in which one of the spouses belongs to the Scheduled Caste will also be considered for the incentive.
The amount will be given irrespective of the economic status, informed Minister for SC and ST Development, Minorities and Backward Class Welfare Department Ramesh Chandra Majhi.
As per the norms, the couple should have an account in a nationalised bank and they cannot withdraw the incentive money till three years. The couple has to refund the amount within a year if the marriage ends in divorce within five years, sources said.
In the financial year 2017-18, as many as 543 couples benefitted from this incentive. A total of Rs 2,65,36,000 was spent.
In the last five years, 3,800 couples benefitted from the incentive.
Baleswar district is at number one position to receive this benefit. Likewise, Cuttack is in the second position and Jagatsinghpur in the third position.
This hiked amount will be implemented from September 14, 2017, informed the Minister.
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