Union Minister pitches for inter-caste marriages

“The Centre has launched the scheme, which grants Rs 2.5 lakh incentive to couples in case of marriages where at least one of the spouses comes from the Dalit community. But, in Tripura, only four couples have so far availed of the scheme. The figures indicate lack of awareness”, said the Union Minister.

Agartala:Directing the officials of the social welfare and education department of Tripura, Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment Ramdas Athawale on Thursday asked them to put the impetus on the inter-caste marriage incentive scheme as the state could not make considerable advancement in it.

He advised the officials to lay more emphasis on solemnising inter-caste marriages involving a Dalit as spouse so that the couple can avail of the one-time benefit of Rs 2.5 lakh.

“The Centre has launched the scheme, which grants Rs 2.5 lakh incentive to couples in case of marriages where at least one of the spouses comes from the Dalit community. But, in Tripura, only four couples have so far availed of the scheme. The figures indicate lack of awareness”, said the Union Minister.

The Minister was speaking after a review meeting of the Social Welfare and Social Education Department at the guest house here on Friday. Athawale also stressed the necessity of setting up more old-age homes in Tripura.

"I came to know that there are only four old-age homes in the state. In my opinion, the numbers are very less. I have told the officials to send proposals to the Ministry and I will take initiative to ensure that at least one old-age home can be set up in each of the eight districts of the state," he said. The Minister also highlighted the measures of Prime Minister Modi and Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb.