Over 26,000 Couples Receive Government Incentives for Inter-Caste Marriages in 2024-25
Over 26,050 incentives were given for inter-caste marriages in India during 2024-25, up from 21,083 the previous year.
More than 26,000 people across India received government incentives for inter-caste marriages during 2024-25, under schemes linked to the Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955, and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989. The figure marks a significant rise from 21,083 beneficiaries in 2023-24 and 14,225 in 2022-23, according to the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
The centrally sponsored schemes aim to encourage social integration, provide financial support to couples, and ensure protection against caste-based discrimination. Eligible couples, particularly when one spouse belongs to a Scheduled Caste and has an annual income of up to Rs 5 lakh, can receive Rs 2.50 lakh under the Dr Ambedkar Scheme for Social Integration through Inter-Caste Marriages, launched in 2014-15.
Maharashtra reported the highest number of beneficiaries with 8,566, followed by Karnataka (2,798) and Tamil Nadu (2,476) in 2024-25. Other states with significant uptake include Haryana, Gujarat, and West Bengal, while smaller numbers were recorded in Telangana, Chhattisgarh, and other Union Territories. This demonstrates the scheme’s widespread acceptance and growing popularity over the years.
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The scheme is implemented alongside legal safeguards against untouchability and caste-based atrocities. Article 17 of the Indian Constitution prohibits untouchability, while Special Courts and relief mechanisms under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act provide protection, rehabilitation, and legal recourse for victims. The costs of implementation are shared between the Centre and the states, with Union Territories receiving full central support.
Public response to the initiative has been largely positive. Tapan Das, from the SC community, called it “a good initiative that will encourage inter-caste marriages and support couples,” while Rinki, another beneficiary, said the incentives help promote social integration and reduce caste-based discrimination.
With rising participation each year, the government’s incentive scheme reflects a sustained push to eradicate casteism and promote equality, aligning legal provisions with financial support to foster social harmony across India.
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