Assam: Govt launches 'Arundhati Gold' scheme to empower newly married brides

Guwahati: Assam's government today launched the Arundhati Gold Scheme, under which, the state government shall provide Rs. 40,000 to brides whose marriage has been registered under the Special Marriage Act (1954).

Assam's Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal was also joined by Assam Finance Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma at the ceremonial distribution of the financial benefit under the Arundhati Gold Scheme that was held at the Srimanta Sankardeva Kalakshetra, Guwahati.

Sonowal said that the scheme was has been launched with the motive of making the people self-reliant and to boost the overall economic condition of the womenfolk in the State of Assam.

The Chief Minister asserted that the BJP-led government has been rolling out its schemes with the aim of strengthening each strata of society -- be it the youths, women, widows, et al. "I hope that the Rs. 40,000 financial grant that we have announced shall be used properly by you because it is a token of love from the Assam government," he added.

Speaking during the occasion, Assam's finance minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said that every woman eligible for the scheme should avail it. "Whenever a girl is married socially she must register the marriage under the Special Marriage Act 1954 so that she can secure her future and can be a legal heir to her husband's property in every way," Sarma said, emphasizing the need to register under the act.

"At a time when the government of Assam is arranging medical treatment to everyone irrespective, of caste, religion, or community, we are working with the singular motive with the economically backward section," Sarma further added.

Who is eligible for the Scheme?

The bride has to have attained 18 years of age and the groom's age should be 21 years. The marriage should be registered under the 'Special Marriage Act-1954'. The marriages solemnized on or after December 1, 2019 and registered on or after January 1, 2020 are eligible for availing the benefits under the Scheme. The benefits are meant for only the first marriage of a girl. Barring the Adivasis and the Tea Tribes, both the bride and the groom should pass at least 10th exams.

How to become an Arunadhati Scheme beneficiary:

One can sign up to become a beneficiary under this scheme. Some one who is eligible for this scheme, has to visit revenueassam.nic.in/arundhati/ and fill up an application form. 

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