Gujarat Government Increases Divyang Marriage Aid to ₹75,000; ₹41.75 Lakh Distributed to Surat Couples
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Gandhinagar, March 17 (NationPress) The government of Gujarat has officially announced an increase in the financial support allocated under the 'Divyang Marriage Assistance Scheme', raising it from Rs 50,000 to Rs 75,000. This enhancement will take effect in June 2025, as stated by State Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Manisha Vakil during a session in the Legislative Assembly.
In response to queries from the House, Vakil emphasized that the state is committed to empowering individuals with disabilities, ensuring they can uphold their dignity in society. She detailed both financial and administrative reforms introduced to the scheme.
During the past year, 79 applications from the Surat district have been approved under this initiative, leading to a total disbursement of Rs 41.75 lakh directly into beneficiaries' accounts via the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system. The beneficiaries hail from various talukas within the district.
Discussing the scheme's enhancements, Vakil noted, “We have implemented important administrative and financial changes that benefit persons with disabilities.” She reiterated the increase in the assistance amount from Rs 50,000 to Rs 75,000, effective from June 2025.
To simplify the application process, the requirement for submitting a joint photograph of the couple or a wedding invitation has been eliminated. Applicants are now required to submit their applications within two years of their marriage to access the benefits.
The scheme is designed for individuals with 21 types of disabilities, provided their disability is assessed at 40 percent or greater. If both partners qualify as persons with disabilities, they are eligible for a combined assistance of Rs 1.50 lakh. If only one partner is a person with a disability, the assistance amount is Rs 75,000.
Additionally, the minister highlighted that individuals can apply for the scheme online through the state government's social welfare portal or visit e-gram centers at the village level, ensuring broader access to this beneficial program.