178 couples go for inter-caste marriage in 3-yrs

Aurangabad, Feb 8:

A total of 178 inter-caste marriages were reported in the district during the last three years and they availed State Government’s ‘Inter-caste Marriage Scheme.’

Under the scheme, an incentive of Rs 50,000 is given to the inter-caste married couple.

The scheme was launched on September 3, 1959, to encourage inter-caste marriage and abolish caste-system. Only registered couples can avail of it.

The incentive amount was Rs 15,000 until 2010 while it was increased up to Rs 50,000.

There is a big difference between the number of inter-caste marriage couple and beneficiaries. One partner is from Schedule Caste, Tribe and VJNT while another partner should be from an upper caste.

Social Welfare Officer of Zilla Parishad Shivraj Kendre and chairman of Social Welfare Committee Monali Rathod said that Rs 89 lakh were disbursed to 178 couples from 2017 to 2020.