To promote inter-caste marriages Odisha government launches portal
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The incentive amount would be deposited in a joint account of the couple in any nationalised bank and they would be able to withdraw the amount only after three years of marriage.
Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Tuesday launched SUMANGAL portal to provide cash incentives for promotion of inter-caste marriage.
While inaugurating the Sumangal portal, the Chief Minister said that inter-ethnic marriages increased social unity and it reduced racial discrimination while promoting equality and peaceful coexistence in society.
Rs 2.5 lakh can be availed for beneficiaries within 60 days of applying at the portal. The incentive amount would be deposited in a joint account of the couple in any nationalised bank and they would be able to withdraw the amount only after three years of marriage.
He also launched the Integrated Odisha State Scholarship Portal to help eligible students of the state avail scholarship avail benefits in a seamless and transparent manner.
As per a statement, 21 scholarships would be offered by eight state departments and more than 11 lakh beneficiary students from Scheduled Tribes, Scheduled Castes, Other Backward Classes, and educationally backward classes would benefit from the scholarship portal.
"Only through the use of technology can we provide the public with the best services at the right time with efficiency and transparency. This portal will reduce the distance between government departments and prospective students and they can apply from their homes within a specified time frame," the Chief Minister said at the virtual launch.
"6,00,000 students are benefiting from the program under the Scheduled Tribes and Scheduled Tribes Development Department alone. Odisha is an example for other states today to bring about change through five programs," said Minister for Scheduled Tribes and Scheduled Tribes Development Jagannath Sarka while speaking at the launch.
(With inputs from agencies)