AIMPWBDOP

This scheme was introduced in 2018 by the Department of Social Security & Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Government of Odisha. The scheme's goal is to help people with disabilities live normal and dignified lives and to encourage others to marry people with disabilities.

"Award of Incentive for Marriage between Persons with Benchmark Disabilities & Other Person" is a scheme introduced in 2018 by the Department of Social Security & Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Government of Odisha. The scheme's goal is to help people with disabilities live normal and dignified lives and to encourage others to marry people with disabilities. The government introduced this scheme to facilitate and fulfill mandates under Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 and the National Trust for the Welfare of Persons with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation and Multiple Disabilities Act, 1999.

• The bridegroom and the bride must have completed 21 years and 18 years of age respectively at the time of the marriage.
• Both of the spouses should be residents of Odisha State.
• The cash incentive award can be given to either of the spouses with a benchmark disability if another person marries a Person with a Benchmark Disability (Disability Percentage of 40% or above).
• The said marriage should be dowry free.
• Neither of the spouses should have availed of the incentive award under this scheme earlier.
• The beneficiary qualifying for the incentive of both the Departments i.e. ST & SC Development, Minorities, and Backward Class Welfare Department, and the Department of SSEPD will be left to opt to avail the benefit under one Department to avoid duplication.

• The amount of incentive is fixed at ₹ 2,50,000/- and shall be disbursed to the couple through IFMS.
• The amount of incentive shall be locked in for 3 years.
• Withdrawal is allowed in three phases with the withdrawal of 10% of the funds after 6 months, the next 10% after one year, and the balance of 80% of the funds after the successful completion of 3 years of the marriage.
• The couple can withdraw under the joint signature.

• Applicants who fraudulently avail or attempt even after having availed once benefits of the scheme shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years or with fine which may extend to Rs. 1,00,000/- or with both as prescribed under section 91 of Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016. In such cases, the Collector & District Magistrate, who is the sanctioning authority, shall initiate action accordingly, besides recovery of disbursed amount with 12% interest.
• In the event of divorce or dissolution of the marriage taking place within the time period 3 (three) years to 5 (five) years calculated from the date of receipt of the first installment of the incentive (i.e. 10% of the incentive), the spouse (either husband or wife) without disability, shall be liable to refund 50% of total amount as arrear of land revenue within one year of the occurrence failing which the principal amount with annual interest of 6.5% will be charged from him/her.