Haveri: The state government’s initiative to promote inter-caste marriages in Haveri district is facing a significant hurdle due to a delay in the release of allocated funds amounting to Rs 1.8 crore over the past year. This funding issue has left many beneficiaries in a state of uncertainty, as only 88 out of 144 couples who applied for the scheme have received the promised financial assistance. The remaining 56 couples are still awaiting their entitled support.
The scheme, aimed at fostering social unity and supporting inter-caste marriages, has been hampered by this financial shortfall. According to a staff member from the Department of Social Welfare, “A total of Rs 1.8 crore has not yet been released to the marriage beneficiaries in the Haveri district. Many of them have been visiting our office weekly, but we are unable to proceed without the government releasing the funds.”
In addition to the delays affecting inter-caste marriages, funds for simple marriages and marriages of former Devadasis’ children are also overdue. Simple marriages are supposed to receive Rs 50,000, while the daughters of former Devadasis are eligible for a grant of Rs 5 lakh. Currently, 9 couples within the community are awaiting Rs 18 lakh in financial support.
One beneficiary shared their frustration, stating, “I got married to a girl who is the daughter of a former Devadasi. We are eligible for this benefit, but officers have informed us that the funds have not been released. The government should expedite the release of these funds and deposit them into our accounts.”
Prashanth Varagappanavar, the Deputy Director for the Department of Social Welfare, acknowledged the increased demand for financial assistance this year compared to last. He assured that the department has submitted the requirements and will release the funds directly to the beneficiaries’ accounts once they are made available by the government.
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