Karnataka to give funding to poor Muslim brides

Bengaluru: From November 1, Muslim brides from families with annual income less than Rs 1.5 lakh can claim financial support of Rs 50,000 either in cash, gold or house hold articles from the state government.

The project launched by the Department of Minority Welfare will give the bride a voice and set aside an initial sum of Rs 10 crore with the aim of supporting atleast 2,000 marriages by the end of this financial year.

According to sources at the state directorate of minorities, the project was launched last Monday without any fanfare. In a bold move, the state insists that marriages will only be supported if the bride is over 18 years of age and the groom, 21.

“Under the project, government will reserve Rs 50,000 per bride for those who come poor families. The money will be released at the bride’s request. If the bride so chooses, cash will be given directly. Otherwise, it will be utilized on marriage expenses, purchase of house hold items including almirahs, clothes, gold etc. This will give the women a voice,” said an officer.

According to the officials from the directorate as per the government order, brides seeking the financial support must apply 30 days in advance. She has to furnish details of her family’s income status, date of marriage, venue etc. The government will release the money after processing the application.

Under the scheme, the bride can seek a total amount in the form of cash or Rs.15,000 as cash and household goods for the remaining sum. “From cots to utensils, we will give her whatever she wishes before the marriage date,” said the official.

Even those who migrated to Karnataka three years ago can avail of the scheme, as long as she has been a resident of the state for a minimum of three years. The main intention behind this project is to help poor families hold marriages for their girl children in dignity,” he added.

However, another officer, on condition of anonymity, said some rules are still unclear. “We are seeking government guidance on whether this scheme will be applicable to only to one woman in each family or more.

There is no clarity on whether the money will be credited directly to the bride’s bank account or paid in cash. Even the name of the scheme has not yet been not finalized. The project has been launched informally as the government fears it may lead to allegations of appeasement," he explained.

Courtesy:deccanchronicle dot com