8th pass eligibility criterion for marriage assistance dash hopes of many poor girls

Srinagar, Apr 29: The government's marriage assistance scheme, aimed at providing financial support to eligible poor girls, has sparked concerns over its eligibility criterion of requiring applicants to have passed at least 8th grade. Many deserving beneficiaries, particularly from rural or economically disadvantaged backgrounds, are being left out due to this requirement.

Concerns raised by critics argue that the criterion is unfair and excludes many genuine beneficiaries, who may not have had access to quality education. "This criterion is discriminatory and denies many deserving poor girls the support they need," said a local resident. He said although the scheme's intention is to provide financial assistance to girls from economically weaker sections, but the 8th pass eligibility criterion is defeating its purpose. The people are urging the government to reconsider the eligibility criterion and make the scheme more inclusive.

In a surprising turn of events, the Jammu and Kashmir government added an 8th pass criteria for poor girls seeking marriage assistance, sparking widespread concerns among potential beneficiaries. According to Government Order No.49-JK(SWD) of 2022, effective April 1, 2025, girls must compulsorily produce a certificate proving they have passed 8th class or equivalent to qualify for the scheme's financial assistance.

This education requirement comes as part of the restructured guidelines for the State Marriage Assistance Scheme for Poor Girls. "From 1st April, 2025, 8th pass has been made mandatory for the marriage assistance scheme, but this has led to many deserving beneficiaries being left out from the scheme," revealed a senior Social Welfare Department official who requested anonymity.

"We are already seeing applications being rejected on these grounds, creating distress among families who had been counting on this support." The State Marriage Assistance Scheme provides a one-time financial assistance of Rs 75,000 to poor girls of marriageable age belonging to families holding either AAY (Antyodaya Anna Yojana) or PHH (Priority Households) ration cards.

The assistance is intended to help alleviate the financial burden on impoverished families during marriage ceremonies. The education requirement has faced immediate and vociferous pushback from activists, and potential applicants. "This clause needs to be omitted from the guidelines so that females from poor families receive the marriage assistance," said Rubeena Jan, an applicant from Ganderbal.

"Many girls from underprivileged backgrounds have never had proper access to education due to various socio-economic factors, family circumstances, or lack of educational infrastructure in remote areas. Why should they be punished twice?" This clause has raised concerns among family members of potential beneficiaries gathering outside Social Welfare Department offices with applications that may now be rejected. Under the restructured guidelines, the government had provided a three-year transition period from 2022-2023 to 2024-2025, during which financial assistance was implemented irrespective of the beneficiary's education status.

However, that grace period has expired, causing panic among families with marriage plans for daughters who have not completed the required education. It is pertinent to mention that Omar Abdullah, who presented the Budget of J&K UT, enhanced the assistance from Rs 50,000 to Rs 75,000, making the scheme more financially supportive but potentially less accessible due to the education requirement. When approached for comment, officials from the Chief Minister's office indicated that the enhancement was meant to provide more substantial support to qualified beneficiaries. Social welfare experts are questioning whether the education mandate might contradict the scheme's fundamental purpose of supporting the most vulnerable girls. "While promoting education is commendable, tying financial assistance to educational qualifications may exclude the very population this scheme aims to help," said Riyaz Ahmad, a social activist. "Many families in extreme poverty prioritize basic survival over education, especially for girls. This policy risks leaving the most marginalized without support." Preliminary estimates suggest that in rural areas, particularly in far-flung regions of Jammu and Kashmir, the exclusion could affect up to 30 per cent of otherwise eligible girls.

The Social Welfare Department has yet to issue an official response to the growing concerns about this eligibility criterion. Minister for Social Welfare and Education Sakina Itoo was not available for comment.