Education criteria being removed for marriage assistance scheme: Sakeena Itoo

Srinagar, Jul 21: Cabinet Minister Sakeena Itoo on Monday announced that the government is removing the minimum educational qualification requirement for girls to avail benefits under the Marriage Assistance Scheme in Jammu and Kashmir.
Speaking to reporters, Itoo said the earlier rule that made it mandatory for girls to be at least 8th standard pass in order to receive assistance was “unfair and exclusionary.”
She said the government has recognized the concerns raised by families from economically weaker sections who were unable to meet the criteria.
“There is no need for girls to be 8th pass now and we are removing that criteria. Putting such a condition was wrong. It went against the spirit of the scheme which is meant to help poor families during their daughters’ marriage,” Itoo said.
The Marriage Assistance Scheme provides financial support to poor girls at the time of their marriage. The minister said the move will ensure that deserving beneficiaries are not denied help due to lack of formal education. (KINS)