The much-hyped schemes of 'Shaadi Mubarak' and ‘Kalyana Laxmi’ might increase the instances of divorces in Telangana State.
This was the apprehension expressed by Deputy CLP leader in Legislative Council Mohammed Ali Shabbir on Wednesday. Shabbir alleged that despite repeated reminders, the State Government has failed to frame proper guidelines for the 'Shaadi Mubarak' scheme, which is aimed at providing financial assistance of Rs 51,000 for the girls belong to minority community at the time of marriage.
The guidelines prescribed in the GO Ms No 4 dated 25.09.2014 are not only cumbersome, but makes impossible for almost all poor minority girls to match the eligibility criteria. Similar is the status of ‘Kalyana Laxmi’ scheme.
Accusing Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao of deliberately creating confusion about the scheme, Shabbir Ali feared that the same confusion would lead to a new social problem.
In some cases, the bridegrooms would agree to marry a girl hoping to get Rs 51,000/- from the government under the scheme. If the authorities, for some reasons like lack of proper documents, reject an application then the same marriage would be at stake.
"If the girls are sent back to their parents or faces divorce due to non-payment of money under the scheme, then I will take all those girls to stage a protest in KCR's house," he warned.
The Congress leader also condemned the linking of 'Shaadi Mubarak' schemes with Aadhar Card. He said the poor girls would be deprived of Rs 51,000/- if she or the bridegroom does not possess Aadhar card.
He reminded that the Supreme Court has issued clear directions in 2013 itself that Aadhar Card should not be compulsory for availing government schemes or subsidies. This argument stands valid as nearly 70 lakh people in Telangana does not possess Aadhar card.
Instead of playing with the sentiments of poor people, Shabbir Ali advised the Chief Minister to simplify the procedures and ensure that the benefits of scheme reach the deserving beneficiaries at the time of marriage itself.
