Govt offers incentive for inter-caste marriages

NDTV:
"Marrying a scheduled caste person, if you belong to the general category, will now be a very rewarding experience. A reward of Rs 50,000 for such marriages is the latest brainwave from the ministry of social justice and empowerment. State governments would reward such marriages in an effort to encourage inter-caste marriages. The ministry will bear half of such rewards.

Need for more

State government incentives for inter-caste marriages already exist, but the Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Meira Kumar, says they aren't enough. "Yes I know this is not the only way to end the caste discrimination, but one has to start somewhere. I am very keen on this and I have asked all states to get back to me. Let's see," she said.

While Gujarat gives Rs 50,000, West Bengal gives a mere Rs 2,000 for such marriages. And for states that have reacted with skepticism, the government has promised financial help from the planning commission. Though therein arises the question of misuse, the Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment is not deterred.

"All proposals have initial hiccups. That does not mean that we give them up," said Meira Kumar. Secretaries from all states are in the capital to meet the minister today. And while Meira Kumar is sure her strategy will work, the issue of such marriages is clearly already on the rocks."