Assam’s Arundhati Gold Scheme, launched in December 2019, aims to provide financial assistance to brides for buying gold in their marriages, thereby enhancing their social and economic status. Administered by the Department of Revenue and Disaster Management, Government of Assam, the scheme combats social evils like child marriage and dowry. This article delves into the details of the scheme, its benefits, eligibility criteria, required documents, and the application process.
Arundhati Gold Scheme: An Overview
The Arundhati Gold Scheme offers financial assistance of ₹40,000 to brides in Assam to purchase gold for their marriages. To avail the benefits, the bride and groom must be residents of Assam, and their marriage should be registered under the Special Marriage Act, of 1954.
Key features of the scheme:
- Launched on 1st December 2019
- Implemented by the Department of Revenue and Disaster Management, Assam
- Offers financial assistance of ₹40,000 to buy gold for marriage
- Application process through the Arundhati Gold Scheme E Portal
Benefits and Eligibility
Benefits
- Financial Assistance of ₹40,000 to buy gold for marriage
Eligibility
- The bride and groom must be residents of Assam
- The age of the bride should be at least 18 years, and that of the groom should be 21 years
- Bride and groom must have passed at least HSLC or equivalent
- Exception: No minimum educational qualification mandatory for Tea Tribes or Adivasi communities
- The annual family income of the bride should not exceed ₹5 lahks per annum
- The marriage must be registered under the Special Marriage Act, 1954
- The bride has to apply for the Arundhati Gold Scheme on the same day she applies for marriage registration
- The marriage should take place on or after 1st December 2019
- The registration of marriage should take place on or after 1st January 2020
Documents Required
| Documents | For SC/ST Community | For Non SC/ST and Non Tea Tribe/Adivasi Community | For Tea Tribe and Adivasi Communities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Domicile of Assam | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Proof of Age | HSLC/CBSE or Equivalent Pass Certificate, Birth Certificate, OR Medical Examination Certificate of Proof of Age from Competent Authority (in case of non-availability of Birth Certificate only) | HSLC/CBSE or Equivalent Examination Pass Certificate | Birth Certificate of both bride and groom, OR Any Educational Certificate, OR Medical Certificate from Competent Authority |
| Attested Copy of Certificate of Marriage | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Income Certificate | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Copy of Bank Passbook | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Certificate of First Marriage issued by Gaonburah/Mouzdar of Village | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
How to Apply
The only way to apply for the Arundhati Gold Scheme is through the online application via the Arundhati Gold Scheme E Portal. The applicant must fill in the details, submit the application, and receive an application number. The appointment will be given by the marriage officer, who will contact the applicant through SMS or email. The applicant must submit the required documents in original along with the printout of the application form on the day of the appointment.
The application form will be thoroughly scrutinized by the marriage officer, who will accept or reject the application within one week of submission. In case of acceptance or rejection, the applicant will be informed through SMS or email. Upon acceptance, the financial assistance for gold will be transferred directly to the applicant’s bank account.
Features of the Arundhati Gold Scheme
- The applicant bride can avail the benefit of this scheme only for her first marriage.
- Both the bride and groom must have passed the HSLC/CBSE or Equivalent Examination to be eligible, with an exception for Tea Tribe or Adivasi communities, who do not need an educational certificate.
- Initially, the financial assistance amount under this scheme was ₹30,000. However, considering the rising gold prices, the Assam Government increased the amount to ₹40,000.
- The financial assistance provided under this scheme can only be used for buying gold and not for any other purpose.
- The Inspector General of Registration is the nodal officer responsible for implementing the scheme at the state level, while the Sub-Registrar is the nodal officer responsible for implementing the scheme at the district level.
- The application form must be accepted or rejected within one week of submission.
- The Inspector General of Registration is responsible for transferring the assistance amount to the applicant’s account upon acceptance of the application.
- In case of any grievance, the District Registrar will be the Appellate Authority.
Contact Details
- Arundhati Gold Scheme Help Desk Number: 03612452854
- Arundhati Gold Scheme Help Desk Email: [email protected]
- Revenue & Disaster Management Department, F Block, 1st Floor, Assam Secretariat (Civil), Dispur, Guwahati-6
Impact on the Assamese Society
The Arundhati Gold Scheme has a significant impact on the society of Assam by empowering women and providing them with social and economic security. The financial assistance for gold purchase in marriage not only helps the financially weak families but also ensures that the brides enter their married life with a sense of security and confidence.
By making marriage registration under the Special Marriage Act, 1954, a mandatory requirement, the scheme also promotes legal awareness and the importance of documentation among the population. Moreover, by setting the minimum age requirement for brides and grooms, the scheme discourages child marriages and ensures that the youth are better prepared for the responsibilities of married life.
The Arundhati Gold Scheme serves as a model for other states in India to adopt similar initiatives that empower women and promote gender equality. By providing financial assistance and encouraging legal compliance, the scheme has the potential to bring about significant positive changes in the lives of young brides and their families in Assam.