The Odisha government has mandated that couples applying for financial assistance under its marriage incentive scheme for persons with disabilities (PwD) must submit a signed declaration confirming that no dowry was given or received during the wedding. This requirement was introduced by the Department of Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (SSEPD) under the revised Award of Incentive for Marriage between Persons with Benchmark Disabilities and Other Person, 2026, guidelines notified on Saturday.
Key Requirements Under Revised Guidelines
According to the notification, a dowry-free marriage declaration is now one of eight mandatory documents needed to avail the incentive. Applicants must furnish a signed statement affirming that neither party exchanged dowry. The state government provides a financial incentive of Rs 2.5 lakh for marriages where at least one person has a benchmark disability, irrespective of the disability category. The scheme aims to mainstream persons with disabilities in society and promote social inclusion.
Strengthening Anti-Dowry Provisions
The latest notification strengthens anti-dowry measures by making a formal declaration mandatory, rather than merely listing a dowry-free wedding as an eligibility condition. Officials stated that the requirement ensures public funds support socially progressive marriages and reinforces the state's commitment to eliminating the illegal practice of dowry. The declaration will be a key part of the verification process before any financial assistance is sanctioned.
Penalties for False Declarations
The SSEPD department has prescribed stringent penalties for false declarations. Under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, applicants found to have obtained the benefit through misrepresentation or by attempting to avail it more than once may face imprisonment of up to two years, a fine of up to Rs 1 lakh, or both. The government will also recover the disbursed amount with 12% interest under relevant legal provisions.
Lock-In Period and Withdrawal Conditions
The revised guidelines introduce additional safeguards to prevent misuse. The incentive amount will remain locked in for three years after sanction. Beneficiaries can withdraw only 10% after the first year of marriage, another 10% after the second year, and the remaining 80% only after completion of three years. The government has also linked the incentive to the durability of the marriage. If a couple divorces or the marriage is dissolved within five years of receiving the first instalment, the undrawn amount will be cancelled and returned to the government treasury. Any amount already withdrawn will be recovered from the beneficiary along with interest.
