Karnataka Govt Offers ₹3 Lakh Incentive for SC Widow Remarriage: Check Eligibility and How to Apply

Bengaluru: In a significant move towards social reform and the empowerment of women from marginalized communities, the Karnataka State Government has enhanced the financial assistance provided under the SC Widow Remarriage Scheme. To encourage social inclusion and provide a fresh start for widows belonging to the Scheduled Caste (SC) community, the government has increased the incentive from ₹2 lakh to ₹3 lakh.

Managed by the Social Welfare Department, this initiative aims to break social stigmas and provide financial security to women who have lost their spouses, helping them lead a life of dignity and companionship.

Key Highlights of the Scheme

• Increased Financial Aid: Couples where the bride is an SC widow will now receive a total incentive of ₹3,00,000.

• Objective: To provide social security, reform traditional mindsets, and support the rehabilitation of SC widows in Karnataka.

Eligibility Criteria

To avail of the benefits under this scheme, the following conditions must be met:

1. Caste Requirement: The woman must belong to the Scheduled Caste (SC) category.

2. Marital Status: It must be a remarriage for the woman (following the death of her first husband).

3. Groom’s Status: For the man, this must be his first marriage.

4. Age Limit: The bride must be at least 18 years old, and the groom must be at least 21 years old.

5. Timeline: The application must be submitted within one year of the marriage date.

Required Documents

Applicants need to keep the following documents ready:

• Caste Certificate: Proof of the woman’s SC status.

• Death Certificate: Official document confirming the death of the woman’s first husband.

• Marriage Registration Certificate: Issued by the Registrar of Marriages.

• Aadhaar Cards: Of both the bride and the groom.

• Joint Bank Account: Details of a joint account held by the couple.

• Photographs: Photos of the marriage ceremony.

How to Apply

Eligible couples can apply through the following channels:

• Online: Visit the Seva Sindhu portal and navigate to the ‘Social Welfare Department’ section to find the application link.

• Offline: Applicants can visit the office of the Assistant Director of the Social Welfare Department in their respective taluk or district.

This scheme is a progressive step by the Karnataka government to ensure that women from the SC community have the necessary state support to rebuild their lives with honor.