Govt to Review 8th-Class Rule for Assistance, Vows Continued Support for Needy Families
Diplomat Correspondent
Srinagar, (DD): Social Welfare Minister Sakina Masood Itoo on Tuesday said that educational qualifications should not be a condition for receiving financial assistance for marriage, and assured that the government will soon review the existing rule.
“Marriage is a sacred and personal matter, and it should never be linked with education,” she said while addressing reporters in Srinagar. “The previous administration had made passing the eighth grade mandatory for girls to qualify for marriage aid. We opposed it then and continue to oppose it.”
Itoo emphasized that such restrictions disproportionately impact economically weaker sections of society. “Every girl deserves the right to marry with dignity, regardless of her academic background. Our focus is on supporting families facing financial hardship, and this condition contradicts that mission.”
She highlighted that the financial assistance amount, which was initially ₹50,000, was increased to ₹75,000 during Omar Abdullah’s tenure as Chief Minister—a move aimed at easing the burden on low-income families.
“The government remains committed to helping those in need. We will review and amend the order soon to eliminate any unnecessary hurdles. Our goal is to ensure that no family is denied support due to arbitrary requirements,” Itoo assured.(DD)