In a significant initiative aimed at handholding the economically weaker sections of the society by extending assistance vis-à-vis marrying-off their daughters,  J&K Government's  Marriage Assistance Scheme has turned out to be a blessing for underprivileged families.

This social assistance scheme, implemented by Department of Social Welfare  was launched with the objective of providing support for the marriage to those families who are not able to conduct it due to their poor financial condition.

As far as the success of this scheme is concerned, a total number of 14965 cases have been sanctioned in Kashmir division during the year 2024-25 alone with financial assistance granted to beneficiaries amounting to Rs.74,82,50,000.

Among these, the residents of Baramulla District have turned out to be most aware of the scheme, with 2472 beneficiaries availing the benefits of the scheme involving assistance of Rs. 12,36,00,000 followed by Anantnag District with 2293 cases worth Rs. 11,46,50,000.

Ganderbal District has figured at the last among all districts in Kashmir division, with only 592 cases registered during 2024-25 and Rs.2,96,00,000 amount sanctioned to the beneficiaries.

Under this scheme, Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) or Priority Household (PPH) Ration Card Holder families are eligible to apply for financial assistance for marriage.

The financial assistance under the J&K Marriage Assistance Scheme for poor girls from for the Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) ration card holder families is Rs.75,000 while for Priority Household (PHH) ration card holders the assistance being provided amounts to Rs 50,000.

This is a DBT Scheme through which the amount of financial assistance is directly transferred in the bank account of the beneficiary, ensuring that economically weaker sections receive support for marriage expenses in a smooth manner.

Girl beneficiaries whose age is 18 years or more with minimum qualification of 8th Pass or Equivalent are eligible to apply.

Eligible girls can apply for assistance at least one month before the date of marriage.

Documents including Date of Birth Certificate, AAY or PHH Ration Card, Adhaar Card and Education Qualification Certificate are needed at the time of applying for financial assistance  under the said scheme. 

Eligible beneficiaries can apply  through Online Application Form available on Jansugam Portal. The intending beneficiaries can also reach the Jammu and Kashmir Social Welfare Department on its Helpline Number:- 0191-2542759 and Helpdesk Email :- socialwelfare.adm@gmail.com for further details about the scheme.