Jammu and Kashmir Government Increases Marriage Assistance to Rs 75,000 for AAY Category Girls

Synopsis

The Jammu and Kashmir government has announced an increase in marriage assistance for girls from AAY category families from Rs 50,000 to Rs 75,000, aimed at enhancing support for underprivileged households. The initiative underscores a commitment to women's empowerment and social welfare, with funds being directly transferred to beneficiaries.

Key Takeaways

Financial assistance for AAY girls raised to Rs 75,000.
Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system for efficient fund distribution.
Food grain distribution for larger AAY families.
Zero-Ticket Travel Initiative launched for women.
Implementation of Zero Stamp Duty on property transfers within blood relations.

Srinagar, April 3 (NationPress) The government of Jammu and Kashmir has raised the financial aid under the State Marriage Assistance Scheme (SMAS) for underprivileged girls, elevating the sum from Rs 50,000 to Rs 75,000 for families in possession of Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) ration cards, as confirmed by an official on Thursday.

An announcement from the Department of Social Welfare indicated that in partial modification of Government Order No.49-JK(SWD) of 2022 dated March 22, 2022, the financial support has been increased to Rs 75,000 (one-time) for eligible AAY category girls of marriageable age under the scheme.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah stated that this initiative is a stride towards dignity and empowerment, emphasizing the government’s commitment to uplift every household in need.

“This assistance will be directly credited before marriage via DBT,” he remarked.

The decision comes in the wake of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s Budget Speech on March 7, where he outlined various pro-poor initiatives, including the augmentation of marriage assistance for AAY-category girls.

The updated scheme will come into effect on April 1, 2025.

“To promote transparency and efficiency, the financial aid will be directly transferred to the beneficiary’s bank account through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system prior to the marriage,” added the Chief Minister.

In addition to this significant initiative, the J&K government has also sanctioned the free distribution of extra food grains to AAY households with four or more members under the Public Distribution System (PDS).

“This action aims to bolster food security for the region’s most vulnerable families and fulfills a key commitment from the Budget 2025-26,” noted the Chief Minister.

Omar Abdullah praised this initiative as a crucial pro-people decision, reaffirming that the government is delivering on its promises.

“We are dedicated to ensuring food security for our most vulnerable families. Under this initiative, all AAY households will receive additional food grains at no cost. Each beneficiary in a family with four or more members will receive up to 10 kg of food grains, reinforcing our commitment to social welfare,” he stated.

Furthering the commitment to women’s empowerment, the Chief Minister also launched the Zero-Ticket Travel Initiative - a complimentary government bus service for women - on April 1 from the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Center (SKICC).

At the launch event, Omar Abdullah remarked: “This initiative will foster an environment where women feel empowered to travel freely, without financial burdens. It represents another step towards achieving gender equality and mobility for women across Jammu and Kashmir.

The Omar Abdullah-led government has fulfilled yet another promise by implementing Zero Stamp Duty on property transfers through Gift Deeds between blood relations.

In this regard, the Jammu and Kashmir government has issued S.O. 75, dated March 27, 2025, under Section 9(a) of the Stamp Act, 1977, to waive Stamp Duty on such transfers.

The term “Blood Relations” encompasses parents, siblings, children, and grandparents. This notification has taken effect as of April 1, 2025.