Srinagar, June 24 (PP): Jammu and Kashmir’s Social Welfare Minister, Sakina Itoo, has called for an urgent review of the controversial policy linking marriage assistance to a girl’s educational qualifications. The policy, which requires applicants to have passed the 8th standard to qualify for aid, has drawn criticism for excluding underprivileged girls from receiving government support.
Addressing the media on Tuesday, Itoo, as per the news agency Prism Post (PP), asserted that marriage aid should not depend on academic milestones. “Marriage is a sacred and personal matter. Policies that impose such conditions only serve to alienate the most vulnerable,” she said.
The policy was implemented two years ago under the administration led by the Lieutenant Governor. It stipulated that only those girls who had completed their 8th-grade education would be eligible for assistance. Critics, however, argue that this condition places an undue burden on economically disadvantaged families.
“Our welfare schemes are meant to uplift, not exclude,” Itoo emphasized. She recalled how the scheme was initially launched with an aid amount of Rs. 50,000, which was later increased to Rs. 75,000 during Omar Abdullah’s tenure as Chief Minister to address the financial struggles of the poor.
Itoo acknowledged the hardships faced by families during wedding seasons and stressed the need for inclusive policies. “We must ensure that aid reaches every deserving girl, irrespective of her educational background. Linking education to marriage aid is unjust and counterproductive,” she stated.
The minister assured that the Social Welfare Department is actively working to amend the contentious clause. “Our focus is to eliminate these barriers and provide support that upholds dignity and equity,” she said, promising swift action to address the issue.
The announcement has been welcomed by advocacy groups and citizens alike, who view it as a step toward restoring fairness in social welfare programs. (PP)
