The Government of Odisha, through the Department of Social Security & Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (SSEPD), has released the 2nd Revised Guidelines for the Award of Incentive for Marriage between Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) and Other Persons.
This scheme aims to promote social inclusion, encourage marriages involving persons with disabilities, and provide financial support to ensure a dignified life for the couple. The revised guidelines will be effective from 1st August 2025.
✅ Objective of the Scheme
- To mainstream persons with benchmark disabilities in society.
- To encourage non-disabled persons to marry persons with disabilities.
- To ensure financial security and discourage social stigma.
👥 Eligibility Criteria
To avail benefits under this scheme, the couple must fulfill the following conditions:
- Only one spouse should be a Person with Benchmark Disability (PwBD).
- Minimum age at marriage:
- Bridegroom: 21 years
- Bride: 18 years
- The marriage must be dowry-free.
- Either spouse should not have availed this incentive earlier.
- The spouse with disability must be a resident of Odisha.
- Beneficiaries eligible under multiple departments (SSEPD & ST/SC Development) must choose one department only to avoid duplication.
💰 Amount of Incentive
- The incentive amount is ₹2,50,000 (Two Lakh Fifty Thousand Rupees only).
📝 Application Process
Couples can apply online through the official SSEPD website 👉 www.ssepd.gov.in under the “Application for Marriage Incentive” section.
Required Documents:
- Aadhaar-linked Disability Certificate of both spouses.
- Aadhaar numbers (or EID & acknowledgement).
- Marriage Registration Certificate.
- Self-attested Postcard-size joint photograph of the couple.
- Residential certificate issued by Tahsildar / Aadhaar as proof.
⏳ Applications must be submitted within one year from the date of marriage registration.
🔎 Verification Process
- BSSOs (Block Social Security Officers) will act as Verification Officers.
- In large urban areas, SSSOs may be designated by the Collector.
- Verification includes:
- Physical presence of the couple.
- Checking original documents.
- Confirming if the incentive has not been availed earlier.
- Verification must be completed within 15 days.
- Reports are forwarded to the DSSO, then to the Collector for final approval.
💳 Disbursement of Incentive
- Incentive amount will be locked for 3 years in a bank account.
- Withdrawal allowed in three phases:
- After 1st year: 10%
- After 2nd year: 10%
- After 3rd year: 80%
- Names and photographs of beneficiary couples will be displayed on official websites of District & State SSEPD.
⚖️ Rules Against Fraud
- Fraudulent claims will invite imprisonment up to 2 years, or fine up to ₹1,00,000, or both.
- Misused funds will be recovered with 12% interest under OPDR Act.
🔄 Refund Clause
- If the marriage dissolves within 5 years:
- Undisbursed funds will be refunded to the Treasury.
- The 10% disbursed amount must be returned within one year.
- If unpaid, the entire principal with 6.5% annual interest will be recovered.
📊 Evaluation
- Scheme will be evaluated every 3 years by an independent third-party agency engaged by SSEPD.
📌 Key Highlights at a Glance
- Scheme Name: Marriage Incentive for PwBD & Other Person
- Launched by: Govt. of Odisha (SSEPD Department)
- Effective From: 1st August 2025
- Incentive Amount: ₹2,50,000
- Application Mode: Online at ssepd.gov.in
- Eligibility: One spouse must be a Person with Benchmark Disability
📢 Conclusion
The Odisha Marriage Incentive Scheme 2025 is a progressive step by the Government to empower persons with disabilities, promote social acceptance, and encourage dowry-free marriages. Eligible couples must apply online and follow the verification and disbursement process carefully to avail the incentive.