Assistance for Daughter’s Marriage Scheme – Rajasthan Government Initiative

Marriage is one of the most significant milestones in Indian families, and for widows of ex-servicemen, it can also be a heavy financial responsibility. Recognizing this challenge, the Department of Sainik Welfare, Government of Rajasthan, has introduced the “Assistance for Daughter’s Marriage” scheme. This initiative is specially designed to support widows of ex-servicemen belonging to the rank of Havildar or below, ensuring that the daughters of these families are able to marry with dignity and without financial stress.

The scheme provides financial assistance of ₹25,000/- per daughter (up to two daughters) to eligible widows. This support is a part of the Amalgamated Fund and aims to extend benefits to families that are not already receiving similar assistance from the Kendriya Sainik Board (KSB). The application must be submitted within one year from the date of marriage to avail the benefit.

By focusing on this vulnerable section of society, the Rajasthan Government is not only honoring the service and sacrifice of ex-servicemen but also safeguarding the social and economic dignity of their families.

Dates and Objectives of the Scheme

• Launch Date: The scheme was formally introduced by the Department of Sainik Welfare, Government of Rajasthan.
• Implementation: Applications are accepted throughout the year but must be submitted within one year of the daughter’s marriage.
• Review of Applications: Applications are reviewed once every six months by a committee headed by the Director, Sainik Kalyan Vibhag, Rajasthan.

Objectives

1. To provide financial support to widows of ex-servicemen to meet marriage-related expenses of their daughters.
2. To ensure social dignity and reduce the economic burden of such families.
3. To extend welfare benefits to ex-servicemen’s families who are not covered under the Kendriya Sainik Board’s marriage assistance program.
4. To prevent duplication of benefits and ensure transparent distribution of financial aid.
5. To uphold the state’s responsibility in supporting the dependents of soldiers who served the nation.

Key Features of the Scheme

1. Financial Aid: Assistance of ₹25,000/- per daughter.
2. Maximum Limit: Benefits available for up to two daughters only.
3. Eligible Beneficiaries: Widows of ex-servicemen up to the rank of Havildar.
4. Exclusion Clause: Families already receiving marriage grant from the Kendriya Sainik Board (KSB) are not eligible.
5. Source of Fund: Disbursed from the Amalgamated Fund of the Rajasthan Sainik Welfare Department.
6. Time Frame: Application must be filed within one year from the date of marriage.
7. Application Mode: Offline process through the District Sainik Welfare Officer (DSWO).
8. Verification & Approval: All documents verified by the DSWO before being forwarded to the Director, Sainik Kalyan Vibhag.
9. Payment: Financial assistance transferred directly to the beneficiary’s bank account via online mode.
10. Frequency of Review: Applications reviewed every six months.

Scholarship Amount

Although technically not a scholarship but a financial assistance grant, the scheme provides:

• ₹25,000/- per daughter, for a maximum of two daughters per eligible widow.
• Total benefit capped at ₹50,000/- per family.

This amount is considered adequate to support essential wedding expenses for families with limited means.

Eligibility Criteria

To ensure that the benefit reaches only the rightful beneficiaries, the Government of Rajasthan has clearly outlined eligibility requirements:

1. Residency: Applicant must be a native of Rajasthan.
2. Widow Status: Applicant must be the widow of an ex-serviceman.
3. Rank Condition: Ex-serviceman must have served in the rank of Havildar or below.
4. Daughter’s Age: Daughter must be at least 18 years old at the time of marriage.
5. Record of Daughter: Daughter’s name must be duly recorded in the ex-serviceman’s discharge book or Part-II order.
6. Identity Proof: Widow must possess a valid Ex-Serviceman/Widow Identity Card issued by the District Sainik Welfare Office.
7. Exclusion: Not applicable if the widow is eligible for or has already availed of marriage assistance from Kendriya Sainik Board (KSB).
8. Casualty Clause: Widows of battle casualties or physical casualties (attributable cases) are not eligible since assistance for such cases is provided directly by Army Headquarters.
9. Definition of Ex-Serviceman: The deceased must meet the definition of ex-serviceman as per the Government of India guidelines.
10. Time Limit for Application: Application must be submitted within one year of the marriage date.

Reservation Policy

The scheme does not have a separate caste-based or community-based reservation system, as it is exclusively targeted towards:

• Widows of ex-servicemen from Rajasthan.
• Rank-specific eligibility (Havildar and below).

This makes the scheme category-specific rather than caste-specific, focusing purely on the service status of the ex-serviceman.

Distribution of Scholarships / Financial Assistance

• Funds are allocated from the Amalgamated Fund maintained by the Department of Sainik Welfare, Rajasthan.
• Applications are collected and verified at the District Sainik Welfare Office.
• Verified applications are forwarded to the Director, Sainik Kalyan Vibhag, where a committee reviews cases every six months.
• Upon approval, the amount is transferred online to the widow’s bank account.
• The District Sainik Welfare Officer is responsible for informing the applicant about the payment status.

Application Process (Step by Step)

The application process is fully offline, with the following steps:

Step 1: Obtain Application Form

• Collect the prescribed application form directly from the District Sainik Welfare Office.
• Alternatively, download the form from the official notification/document.

Step 2: Fill in Application Form

• Enter all required details including applicant’s personal information, ex-serviceman’s service details, and daughter’s marriage details.
• Ensure the form is filled neatly and accurately.

Step 3: Attach Documents

Attach self-attested copies of required documents, including:

• Ex-serviceman’s discharge book/service particulars.
• Widow identity card.
• Aadhaar card.
• Proof of residence.
• Marriage certificate.
• Daughter’s age proof.
• Pension Payment Order (PPO).
• Proof of daughter’s name in official records (discharge book/Part-II order).
• Death certificate of ex-serviceman.
• Marriage invitation card.
• Bank account details.
• Passport-size photographs of widow and daughter.
• Undertaking for non-receipt of similar assistance.

Step 4: Submit Application

• Submit the completed form and documents to the District Sainik Welfare Officer.
• Obtain a receipt/acknowledgment with date, time, and application number.

Step 5: Verification & Forwarding

• DSWO verifies documents and details.
• Verified applications are forwarded to the Director, Sainik Kalyan Vibhag, Rajasthan.

Step 6: Committee Review

• A state-level committee reviews applications once every six months.

Step 7: Disbursement of Funds

• Approved applications receive direct transfer of financial assistance to the widow’s bank account.
• Applicant is informed of payment status by the District Sainik Welfare Officer.

Renewal Policy

• This scheme is a one-time assistance per marriage.
• No annual renewal is required.
• Each widow can avail the benefit for a maximum of two daughters only.

Withdrawal / Cancellation

The assistance may be withdrawn or cancelled under the following circumstances:

1. If the applicant fails to submit the application within one year of the marriage date.
2. If the widow or her family has already received assistance from the Kendriya Sainik Board (KSB) for the same marriage.
3. If forged or false documents are submitted.
4. If it is found that the applicant does not fulfill the definition of an ex-serviceman’s widow as per Government of India guidelines.
5. If the widow applies for assistance for more than two daughters.