The Government of Jammu and Kashmir has increased the amount from Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 75,000 under the State Marriage Assistance Scheme (SMAS) for poor girls from AAY families. This help is given one time before marriage. An order was issued by the Social Welfare Department to change the rule. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said, “A step towards dignity and empowerment”. He announced this in the budget speech on March 7. The new rule will start on April 1, 2025. The money will be sent directly to bank accounts using DBT before the marriage. The government wants fairness and clear help for all poor families.
What is State Marriage Assistance Scheme?
The State Marriage Assistance Scheme helps poor girls who cannot marry because of money problems. This is a social assistance scheme. It is made for girls who live below the poverty line. The names of these girls are in a list with DDCs and DSWOs. To get help, a girl must be above 18 years old. She should not take money for marriage from any other scheme. This help is given only once. The government wants to support poor families. The money is given so that marriage becomes easy for them. This scheme is made to give hope and a better life for poor girls.
Also Read: Jammu and Kashmir Marriage Assistance Scheme
Motive of State Marriage Assistance Scheme
The motive of the State Marriage Assistance Scheme is:
- To provide money help for marriage to poor girls.
- To reduce problems caused by no money in families.
- To make sure every girl can marry without big worries.
- To stop girls from taking money from bad people.
- To bring hope and a better future for poor families.
Short Summary of State Marriage Assistance Scheme
| Name of the Scheme | State Marriage Assistance Scheme |
| Launched by | J&K Government |
| Objective | To help poor girls for marriage |
| Who can apply? | Poor girls of J&K |
| Age limit | 18 years or more |
| Financial help | Rs. 75,000 one-time |
| Documents needed | Aadhaar, age proof, ration card |
| Apply before | 1 month before marriage |
| Money transfer | Sent by DBT to bank |
| Mode of Application | Online & Offline |
| Official Website | Directorate of Social Welfare |
Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for the State Marriage Assistance Scheme are as follows:
- The applicant must be a girl.
- She should be 18 years or older.
- Her family should have an AAY or PHH ration card.
- She must not have received similar help from other schemes.
- The application should be done at least one month before marriage.
Also Read: Jammu Kashmir Ration Card List
Financial Benefits
- The scheme gives a one-time financial help of Rs. 75,000 before marriage.
Required Documents
Here we have provided the documents that are required to apply for the scheme:
- Aadhaar Card
- Age Proof
- Ration Card (AAY or PHH)
- Income Certificate
- Marriage Proof (like Wedding Card or Affidavit)
- Bank Account Details
- Self-Declaration Form
Salient Features
The scheme has various important features, which are as follows:
- Financial help of Rs. 75,000 is given one time.
- Only poor girls from AAY or PHH families can get it.
- The money is sent directly to the bank before marriage.
- Rules are kept simple, so more girls can get help.
Amount Sanction Process
The amount sanction process includes these steps:
- The girl must apply to the District Social Welfare Officer (DSWO) one month before marriage.
- All needed papers should be submitted with the form.
- DSWO checks her age and marriage details.
- It is made sure she did not get help from other schemes.
- The case is sent to the Deputy Commissioner (DC) with all papers.
- The Deputy Commissioner checks and makes sure everything is true.
- If all the details are correct, the DC will sanction the money for the girl.
Selection Process
The selection process for the scheme includes:
- The girl must apply to the District Social Welfare Officer (DSWO) before one month of marriage.
- A girl should submit papers like Aadhaar, age proof, and ration card must be given.
- The DSWO checks if all details are right or not.
- Her age and marriage status are also checked.
- It is ensured that she has not received money from other schemes.
Also Read: Dr Ambedkar Foundation Marriage Scheme
Application Form
To download the application form, please follow these steps:
- Step 1: Visit the Directorate of Social Welfare Website.
- Step 2: On the homepage, click on the “Download Forms” option.
- Step 3: Look for the Application form for the State Marriage Assistance Scheme (SMAS).
- Step 4: Click on the download button.
- Step 5: The Application form will be downloaded to your device.
FAQs
How much money is given?
Rs. 75,000 is given one time before marriage.
How is the money given?
The money is sent to the girl’s bank account through DBT.
What documents are needed?
Aadhaar card, age proof, ration card, and other needed papers.
Who is eligible for this scheme?
Poor girls from Jammu & Kashmir who are 18 years or older.
Where to get the application form?
The form can be downloaded from https://jkdswdj.jk.gov.in/.