The Gujarat government has raised the financial assistance provided under the ‘Divyang Marriage Assistance Scheme’ from Rs 50,000 to Rs 75,000, effective from June 2025, as announced by State Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Manisha Vakil in the Legislative Assembly. Vakil emphasized the state’s commitment to ensuring that individuals with disabilities can lead dignified lives within society, highlighting both financial and administrative enhancements to the scheme. In the Surat district alone, 79 applications were approved under the program in the past year, with a total assistance amount of Rs 41.75 lakh disbursed directly to beneficiaries’ bank accounts through DBT.
Significant administrative and financial improvements have been implemented in the ‘Divyang Marriage Assistance Scheme’ to benefit individuals with disabilities, according to Minister Vakil. Notably, the assistance amount has been raised from Rs 50,000 to Rs 75,000 starting June 2025. The requirement of submitting a joint photograph of the couple or a wedding invitation card along with the application has been eliminated to streamline the process, making it more accessible for applicants. Applicants are required to submit their applications within two years of marriage to avail the benefits provided by the scheme, which covers citizens with 21 types of disabilities where the disability is assessed at 40% or more.
Beneficiaries of the scheme, which includes citizens with 21 types of disabilities, can now apply online through the state government’s social welfare portal from home or submit applications through e-gram centers at the village level, ensuring broader access to the program. Minister Vakil highlighted that if both partners are eligible persons with disabilities, they receive a total assistance of Rs 1.50 lakh, while if one partner has a disability, assistance of Rs 75,000 is provided. The revisions aim to simplify the process and enhance the support available to individuals with disabilities through the ‘Divyang Marriage Assistance Scheme.’
