In recent years, intercaste marriages have become more common in India as people seek to break down barriers and prejudices based on caste. However, many couples face challenges in their relationships due to societal pressure, financial constraints, and family opposition. To address these challenges, the state of Kerala has established a fund to support intercaste marriages.
The intercaste marriage fund in Kerala was established in 2003 under the state government’s Department of Social Justice. The primary objective of the fund is to provide financial assistance to couples who are planning to marry outside their caste or community. The fund provides financial assistance of up to Rs. 2.5 lakhs for intercaste marriages between people from economically weaker sections and up to Rs. 1.5 lakhs for those from other sections.
The fund aims to encourage and support intercaste marriages as a means of promoting social harmony and ending discrimination based on caste. It also helps to provide financial security to couples who may face opposition from their families or communities due to their decision to marry outside their caste.
To be eligible for the intercaste marriage fund, couples must meet certain criteria. They must be Indian citizens and permanent residents of Kerala, and they must be 18 years of age or older. Additionally, they must belong to different castes or communities, and one of the partners must belong to a socially and economically backward community.
Couples must also provide documentation to prove their eligibility, including their caste certificates, income certificates, and marriage certificates. They must also provide a joint affidavit stating that they are marrying of their own free will and that they are aware of the consequences of their decision.
Once the couple’s application is approved, the fund provides financial assistance to cover the expenses of their wedding. This can include expenses related to the marriage ceremony, such as venue rental, decorations, catering, and clothing. It can also cover expenses related to legal procedures, such as marriage registration fees and documentation costs.
In addition to financial assistance, the intercaste marriage fund in Kerala also provides counseling and support services to couples. This includes pre-marital counseling to help couples prepare for their marriage and post-marital counseling to help them navigate any challenges they may face. The fund also offers legal assistance to couples who may face legal challenges related to their intercaste marriage.
The intercaste marriage fund in Kerala has been successful in promoting intercaste marriages and breaking down barriers based on caste. Since its inception, the fund has provided financial assistance to thousands of couples in Kerala, and the number of intercaste marriages in the state has increased significantly.
However, there are still challenges to promoting intercaste marriages, including social stigma and family opposition. Some couples may also face challenges in accessing the fund due to bureaucratic processes or lack of awareness. To address these challenges, the government of Kerala has launched awareness campaigns to promote the fund and encourage more couples to apply for assistance.
Final Conclusion on All You Want to Know About Intercaste Marriage Fund Kerala
In conclusion, the intercaste marriage fund in Kerala provides an important support system for couples who choose to marry outside their caste or community.
By providing financial assistance, counseling, and legal support, the fund promotes social harmony and helps to break down barriers based on caste.
While there are still challenges to promoting intercaste marriages, the fund has been successful in increasing the number of intercaste marriages in Kerala and providing a model for other states to follow.
