The Kalyana Lakshmi Scheme, also known as Shaadi Mubarak, is an initiative by the Telangana government aimed at easing the financial burden of marriage on families, especially those from underprivileged communities. This scheme provides financial assistance to families to ensure that the marriage of a girl child does not become a financial strain.
Background and Purpose
In many households, the marriage of a girl is often accompanied by financial pressures, as families strive to organize grand weddings and provide dowries. For those living in poverty, these expenses can be overwhelming, leading to the perception of a married daughter as a financial burden. Recognizing this, the central government has implemented several measures to alleviate this burden, with the Kalyana Lakshmi Scheme being a prominent one.
The Scheme’s Genesis
The Kalyana Lakshmi Scheme was first introduced by the previous BRS (Bharatiya Rashtra Samithi) government in Telangana. The scheme has been continued by the current Congress government, which has further enhanced its benefits. The scheme is designed to provide financial support to families after the marriage of their daughter, ensuring that they receive a sum of money to assist with the wedding expenses.
Financial Support Provided
Under the Kalyana Lakshmi Scheme, families can apply to the government for financial assistance after the marriage of their daughter. The scheme initially provided Rs. 1 lakh to eligible families. However, the current Congress government has taken a step further by promising an additional benefit of 10 grams of gold, along with the financial assistance of Rs. 1 lakh.
Budget Allocation
To support the Kalyana Lakshmi Scheme, the Telangana government has allocated Rs. 2175 crores in the recently approved state budget. This allocation reflects the government’s commitment to supporting families in need and ensuring that the scheme reaches as many beneficiaries as possible.
Recent Developments
Recently, the Telangana government, under the leadership of Revanth Sarkar, has released funds for the Kalyana Lakshmi Scheme. These funds have been allocated from the budget to fulfill the requests received so far.
Fund Release Details
The government has released Rs. 1225.43 crores to support the scheme. As of now, 65,026 applications have been submitted for the Kalyana Lakshmi Scheme in Telangana. Out of these, 33,558 applications have been received in the current financial year, starting from April 1, 2024. Additionally, there were 31,468 pending applications from the previous financial year, ending on March 31, 2023.
Application Status
Out of the total applications received:
- 28,225 applications are pending with the MMORs (Mandals).
- 12,555 applications are pending with the RDVOs (Revenue Divisional Officers).
After addressing these pending applications, the government estimates that an additional Rs. 240 crores will be required to process the remaining 24,038 applications. In total, including the pending applications, the government will need approximately Rs. 650 crores to fulfill all requests.
Government’s Response and Future Plans
Minister Ponnam Prabhakar has expressed satisfaction with the release of Kalyana Lakshmi funds, highlighting the government’s commitment to supporting the marriages of girls from underprivileged communities. Despite the government’s financial challenges, Rs. 1225.43 crores have been sanctioned to reduce the financial burden on the parents of girl children.
Acknowledgment
Minister Ponnam Prabhakar extended his gratitude to Chief Minister Revanth Reddy and Deputy Chief Minister Batti Vikramarka for their efforts in ensuring the release of funds for the Kalyana Lakshmi Scheme. He emphasized that the government’s commitment to providing Rs. 1,00,116 to support marriages is a significant step towards alleviating the financial pressures faced by many families.
Conclusion
The Kalyana Lakshmi Scheme is a crucial initiative by the Telangana government that aims to provide financial relief to families during the marriage of a girl child. With the recent release of funds and the continued support from the government, this scheme is set to benefit thousands of families across the state, ensuring that the marriage of a daughter is seen as a joyous occasion rather than a financial burden.