Bhubaneswar: The state government on Thursday hiked the cash incentive for inter-caste marriages from existing Rs 50,000 to Rs 1 lakh.
“The monetary assistance will be provided to men and women who opt to marry outside their caste,” said ST/SC secretary Surendra Kumar.
Official sources said the amount would be given to the couple irrespective of their economic status and should be used for purchasing land or household articles.
The move is being seen as an attempt to encourage inter-caste marriage and eradicate untouchability.
The amount was last increased to Rs 50,000 from Rs 10,000 in 2017.
According to the rule, the couple have to apply for sanction and execute a bond. They, however, have to refund the amount within a year if the marriage ends in divorce within five years, the sources added.
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