Srinagar: In a major policy shift, the Jammu and Kashmir government has scrapped the minimum education requirement for girls to access benefits under the Marriage Assistance Scheme, Cabinet Minister Sakina Itoo announced on Monday.
Speaking to reporters, Itoo called the previous requirement — which mandated that girls must have passed at least the 8th standard — “unfair and exclusionary,” particularly for families from economically weaker sections.
“There is no need for girls to be 8th pass now. 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,” she said, according to news agency.
The Marriage Assistance Scheme offers financial support to underprivileged girls at the time of their wedding. Officials say the removal of the education clause aims to make the scheme more inclusive and ensure that aid reaches all deserving beneficiaries, regardless of formal schooling.
The decision is being widely viewed as a step toward greater social equity and accessibility for vulnerable communities. (KINS)
