Odisha govt announces Rs 1 lakh cash award for inter-caste marriage

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government on Thursday enhanced the cash incentive for inter-caste marriages from existing Rs 50,000 to Rs 1 lakh.

The amount would be given irrespective of the economic status of the marrying couple and has to be used to purchase land or household articles, said an official.

“The state government has decided to hike the cash incentive for inter-caste marriages keeping the current situation in mind,” said Surendra Kumar, SC and ST Development secretary.

“The proposal of enhancement of cash award to the couple of inter-caste marriage solemnized between the scheduled caste belonging to the Hindu community and other caste-Hindu was under consideration of the government for some time past,” said a notification.

As per the notification, the couple shall have to apply for sanction and will have to execute a bond. The couple has to refund the amount within a year if the marriage ends in divorce within five years.