Introduction The Maharashtra Government started the Divyang Shaadi Protsahan Yojana on 17 June 2004 with the aim of supporting persons with disabilities through financial assistance at the time of marriage. This scheme focuses on helping disabled individuals and couples begin their married life without financial pressure. The Department of Welfare of Persons with Disabilities, Government of Maharashtra, manages and implements this marriage incentive scheme across the state. Under this initiative, the government provides a one-time monetary benefit to eligible married couples where one or both partners have a disability. If a marriage takes place between a disabled and a non-disabled person, the government provides financial support of Rs. 1.50 lakh. When both the bride and the groom have disabilities, the assistance amount increases to Rs. 2.50 lakh. Earlier, the government offered only Rs. 50,000, which clearly shows the state’s enhanced commitment toward social inclusion. The scheme applies only when the disability level of the beneficiary is 40% or more. Eligible couples must register their marriage and submit the application within one year of marriage. At present, the government accepts applications offline only through designated offices. Benefits The Divyang Shaadi Protsahan Yojana offers direct financial help to promote the marriage of persons with disabilities in Maharashtra. The government provides Rs. 1,50,000 when either the bride or the groom has a disability. The government provides Rs. 2,50,000 when both partners have disabilities. Beneficiaries must keep 50% of the sanctioned amount in a fixed deposit as per scheme guidelines. The assistance amount reaches beneficiaries directly in their joint bank account. Eligibility Applicants must meet the following conditions to receive benefits under this scheme :- Either the bride or the groom must have a disability of at least 40%, or both must meet this requirement. The scheme allows financial assistance mainly for first-time marriages. Divorced individuals can also apply if they did not receive benefits earlier under this scheme. Marriage registration is mandatory before applying. Applicants must submit the application within one year from the date of marriage. Documents Applicants need to submit the following documents along with the application form :- Active mobile number and email ID. Aadhaar card of both bride and groom. Joint bank account details with IFSC code. Marriage registration certificate. Self-declaration form. UDID card or disability certificate. Process to Apply Eligible married couples must apply for the Divyang Shaadi Protsahan Yojana through the offline mode only. Applicants can collect the application form free of cost from any of the following offices :- District Disability Empowerment Officer’s Office. Zilla Parishad Office. District Social Welfare Officer’s Office. Assistant Commissioner Office of the Social Welfare Department. Mumbai Urban or Mumbai Suburban Social Welfare Office. After collecting the form, applicants should fill it carefully and attach all required documents. They must then submit the completed application to the District Disability Empowerment Officer (DDEO). The DDEO verifies the application and documents at the district level. After verification, the officer forwards eligible cases to the selection committee for final approval. Once approved, the government transfers the marriage assistance amount directly to the couple’s joint bank account. For any clarification or support, applicants can directly contact the District Disability Empowerment Officer. Important Links Maharashtra Divyang Shaadi Protsahan Yojana Official Guidelines. Official Department Website :- https://divyangkalyan.maharashtra.gov.in/ Contact Department of Welfare of Persons with Disabilities, Maharashtra :- Phone :- 022-40145145 Official Contact Page :- https://divyangkalyan.maharashtra.gov.in/contact-us/