Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir government is exploring the feasibility of a 50% increase in marriage assistance provided to low-income families under the State Marriage Assistance Scheme.
The proposed adjustment, as per details accessed by Rising Kashmir newspaper, is to ensure enhanced financial aid for economically disadvantaged households struggling to meet marriage-related expenses.
Currently, the scheme offers a one-time financial support of Rs. 50,000 to female beneficiaries from families holding Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) or Priority Household (PHH) ration cards.
Introduced by the Central Government on December 2, 2015, and formally implemented in J&K on December 8, 2015, the scheme has been instrumental in providing relief to low-income families preparing for marriage expenses.
Citing information from reliable sources, the report says that Social Welfare Minister Sakeena Masood Itoo in a meeting recently directed the Social Welfare Department to assess the feasibility of increasing the assistance from Rs 50,000 to Rs 75000.
“The assessment will include an analysis of current funding allocations, projected expenses for a larger number of beneficiaries, and the overall financial impact of the increase on the state’s social welfare budget.”
“The department will ensure that the revised scheme remains sustainable and inclusive for which a comprehensive evaluation will be conducted to consider both the economic viability and the potential long-term benefits for recipients,” the sources said.
“The department will look for a plan that aligns with both fiscal constraints and social objectives,” they added.