Chennai, Feb 14 (NationPress) In a landmark initiative aimed at boosting transparency and efficiency in welfare services, the Tamil Nadu government announced on Saturday that it is now compulsory for individuals to submit their applications for marriage assistance schemes online.

This policy change removes the need for manual submissions and minimizes the role of intermediaries, ensuring a consistent and timely processing system throughout the state.

The reform is a component of the SimpleGov initiative, introduced in 2023, designed to streamline administrative processes and enhance citizen access to public services via digital platforms.

A specialized committee established by the state government assessed various marriage assistance schemes and proposed comprehensive changes to simplify the application process.

In line with these recommendations, the state has mandated that applications for all qualifying schemes must be submitted only post the solemnization of marriage.

This updated procedure involves multiple important welfare schemes, including the Dr. Dharmambal Ammaiyar Ninaivu Widow Remarriage Assistance Scheme, the Annai Theresa Ninaivu Marriage Assistance Scheme, the E.V.R. Maniammaiyar Ninaivu Marriage Assistance Scheme, and the Dr. Muthulakshmi Reddy Ninaivu Inter-Caste Marriage Assistance Scheme.

According to the state government directive, applicants are required to submit their applications within six months following their marriage.

The Tamil Nadu e-Governance Agency has been tasked with enabling the online application process via e-Seva centers or other designated digital platforms to guarantee seamless implementation across districts.

To ensure prompt processing, the state government has established clear timelines. Applications for registered marriages will be processed in 20 days, whereas those for unregistered marriages will be completed within 30 days.

Officials explained that the different timelines are necessary due to the additional verification needed for unregistered marriages.

By transitioning fully to an online system, the state government aims to mitigate delays, reduce procedural inconsistencies, and eliminate exploitation by middlemen.

This transition is also anticipated to foster a transparent tracking system, enabling beneficiaries to monitor their application status.

The state government emphasized that this reform underscores its broader commitment to digital governance, accountability, and citizen-oriented service delivery, ensuring that financial assistance reaches eligible beneficiaries efficiently and without obstacles.