The Shaadi Mubarak Scheme is a flagship marriage assistance initiative launched by the Government of Telangana to provide financial support to families of brides from minority communities. The scheme was introduced on October 2, 2014, by the then Chief Minister K. Chandrashekhar Rao, with the objective of reducing the financial burden on poor families during weddings and preventing child marriages .
Under this initiative, eligible minority brides receive a one-time financial assistance of ₹1,00,116 directly into their bank accounts or their mother’s account . The scheme is administered by the Minorities Welfare Department and is the minority counterpart to the Kalyana Lakshmi scheme for SC/ST/BC communities . Since its inception, the scheme has supported over 2.17 lakh girls, with the government spending approximately ₹1,751 crore .
The scheme operates through the Telangana ePASS portal (https://telanganaepass.cgg.gov.in), ensuring a digitized and transparent application process . Applications can be submitted online or through MeeSeva centres .
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Overview Table: Shaadi Mubarak Scheme 2026-27
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Shaadi Mubarak Scheme |
| Launched By | Government of Telangana |
| Launch Date | October 2, 2014 |
| Nodal Department | Minorities Welfare Department |
| Target Beneficiaries | Unmarried girls from Minority communities (Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, Parsis) |
| Financial Assistance | ₹1,00,116 per eligible bride |
| Income Ceiling | ₹2,00,000 (urban & rural) |
| Official Portal | https://telanganaepass.cgg.gov.in |
| Budget Allocation 2026-27 | ₹650 crore (Minorities Welfare) |
| Mode of Payment | Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) |
| Application Mode | Online / MeeSeva Centres |
Introduction and Background
The Shaadi Mubarak scheme was introduced with a noble intention: to ensure that a girl child does not become a financial burden on parents belonging to poor minority families . The scheme has contributed significantly to the growth and education of girls born in poor minority families and has played a crucial role in preventing child marriages .
Initially, the scheme provided financial assistance of ₹51,000 for the marriage of girls belonging to minority communities . In 2017, the assistance was increased to ₹75,116, and on March 19, 2018, the amount was enhanced to ₹1,00,116 by the State government . The scheme is applicable to all districts of Telangana .
The Shaadi Mubarak scheme is implemented through the Minorities Welfare Department, which was created in 1993 and bifurcated as the Minorities Welfare Department, Telangana State with effect from June 2, 2014, for implementing schemes for the social, educational and economic development of Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, and Parsis .
Objectives of the Scheme
The Shaadi Mubarak Scheme is designed with multiple interconnected objectives.
- Provide financial assistance of ₹1,00,116 to families of minority brides to reduce the financial burden of marriage expenses
- Prevent child marriages by mandating that the bride must be at least 18 years old to be eligible for benefits
- Promote female education by encouraging families to keep their daughters in school until they reach adulthood
- Empower women from minority communities through direct financial support
- Reduce the prevalence of school dropouts among girls, as families no longer need to marry their daughters early
- Support economically weaker families from the six notified minority communities
- Ensure financial inclusion by transferring funds directly to the bride’s or her mother’s bank account
- Create a transparent and efficient disbursement mechanism through the ePASS portal
Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for the Shaadi Mubarak Scheme are clearly defined to ensure benefits reach the intended beneficiaries .
Bride Eligibility Requirements:
- The bride must be a permanent resident of Telangana state
- The bride must have completed 18 years of age at the time of marriage
- The bride must belong to one of the six notified minority communities: Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, or Parsis
- This should be the bride’s first marriage
- The bride should not be a government employee
- The bride must have an Aadhaar-linked bank account
Income Criteria:
| Area | Annual Family Income |
|---|---|
| Urban | ₹2,00,000 or less |
| Rural | ₹2,00,000 or less |
Groom Eligibility:
- The groom must be at least 21 years of age at the time of marriage
Application Timing:
- Applications should ideally be submitted before the marriage
- Alternatively, applications can be submitted within 3 months after the marriage
Exclusion Criteria:
- Families with annual income exceeding ₹2,00,000
- Brides below 18 years of age
- Applicants who are not permanent residents of Telangana
- Families already receiving marriage assistance under other government schemes
- Second marriages
Benefits and Financial Assistance
The Shaadi Mubarak Scheme provides structured financial support to eligible brides.
Financial Assistance Structure:
| Category | Assistance Amount |
|---|---|
| General Beneficiaries | ₹1,00,116 |
Historical Progression of Assistance:
| Period | Assistance Amount |
|---|---|
| 2014-2017 | ₹51,000 |
| 2017-2018 | ₹75,116 |
| March 2018 onwards | ₹1,00,116 |
Mode of Disbursement:
- Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to the bride’s mother’s bank account
- If the mother is not alive, the amount is deposited into the bride’s account
Payment Timeline:
- After application submission, payment typically takes 30-90 days
- Depends on document verification and processing
Budget Allocation 2026-27:
- Minorities Welfare Department: ₹650 crore allocated
- Expected to benefit 64,900 beneficiaries
Application Process
The application process for the Shaadi Mubarak Scheme is fully digitized through the ePASS portal .
Online Application Steps:
Step 1: Visit the Official Portal
Go to the Telangana ePASS portal at https://telanganaepass.cgg.gov.in
Step 2: Select the Scheme
Scroll down on the homepage and click on “Kalyana Lakshmi / Shaadi Mubarak” option
Step 3: New Registration
Click on the “Registration” option under the Shaadi Mubarak section
Step 4: Fill Application Form
Provide the following details:
- Bride’s personal information (name, age, date of birth, photograph)
- Caste and income details
- Address (permanent residence)
- Groom’s details (age verification required)
- Bank account details for DBT
Step 5: Upload Documents
Scan and upload the required documents in the prescribed format. Documents should be in JPG format with size less than 150KB .
Step 6: Review and Submit
Review all details carefully and submit the application
Offline Application Support:
- Applications can also be submitted through MeeSeva centres
- The District Minority Welfare Officer processes the applications
Important Notes:
- Applications should ideally be submitted before the marriage
- Alternatively, applications can be submitted within 3 months after the marriage
- There is no application fee
Documents Required
Applicants must prepare the following documents for the Shaadi Mubarak Scheme application .
Essential Documents:
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Aadhaar Card of Bride | Identity verification |
| Birth Certificate of Bride | Age verification |
| Caste Certificate of Bride | Community verification |
| Income Certificate of Parents | Income ceiling verification |
| Bank Passbook (Bride or Mother) | For DBT |
| Passport-size Photograph of Bride | Application attachment |
| Wedding Card / Marriage Certificate | Proof of marriage |
Additional Documents:
- Groom’s Age Proof
- Aadhaar Card of Mother (as nominee)
Document Format Requirements:
- Documents should be scanned in JPG format
- File size should be less than 150KB
- All documents must be clear and legible
Status Check and Tracking
Applicants can track their application status through multiple channels .
Online Status Check:
Step 1: Visit the Telangana ePASS portal at https://telanganaepass.cgg.gov.in
Step 2: Click on “Kalyana Lakshmi / Shaadi Mubarak” option
Step 3: Click on “Print/Status” option
Step 4: Enter the bride’s Aadhaar number and registered mobile number
Step 5: View the current status of the application
Status Categories:
- Submitted
- Under Processing
- Approved
- Payment Initiated
- Payment Completed
- Rejected (with reason)
Offline Status Check:
- Visit the local MRO (Mandal Revenue Office) office
- Visit the nearest MeeSeva centre
- Contact the District Minority Welfare Officer
Helpline for Queries:
- Helpline Number: 040-23390228
Implementation Challenges and Issues
The Shaadi Mubarak Scheme, despite its success, faces several implementation challenges .
Declining Expenditure:
Despite budget allocations, expenditure has steadily decreased in recent years :
| Financial Year | Budget Allocated | Amount Spent |
|---|---|---|
| 2024-25 | ₹650 crore | ₹403.90 crore |
| 2025-26 | ₹650 crore | ₹278.40 crore |
| 2026-27 | ₹650 crore | Yet to be spent |
Application Processing Delays:
- Many poor families are unable to reap benefits due to delays in processing applications and allocation of funds
- The decline in expenditure reflects the State government’s commitment in implementation of the scheme
Fraudulent Activities:
In June 2026, six persons were arrested in Hyderabad for preparing fake documents to fraudulently claim benefits under the scheme . They allegedly used software to manipulate photographs, Aadhaar details, marriage certificates, and other documents to create forged records . The accused are suspected of having fraudulently obtained approximately ₹21 lakh under the scheme .
Comparison with Other Departments:
| Department | 2024-25 Allocation | 2024-25 Spent | 2025-26 Allocation | 2025-26 Spent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minorities Welfare | ₹650 cr | ₹403.90 cr | ₹650 cr | ₹278.40 cr |
| Tribal Welfare | ₹260 cr | ₹164.71 cr | ₹260 cr | ₹143.17 cr |
| SC Development | ₹500 cr | ₹240 cr | ₹600 cr | ₹200 cr |
Important Dates and Deadlines
Key Dates:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Scheme Launch | October 2, 2014 |
| Financial Assistance Enhanced | March 19, 2018 |
| Budget Allocation 2026-27 | February 2026 |
| Application Submission | Before marriage or within 3 months after |
Budget Allocation Timeline:
| Financial Year | Allocation |
|---|---|
| 2024-25 | ₹650 crore |
| 2025-26 | ₹650 crore |
| 2026-27 | ₹650 crore |
Processing Timeline:
- Application Submission: Before marriage or within 3 months after
- Payment: 30-90 days after submission
Impact and Success Stories
The Shaadi Mubarak Scheme has made a significant impact on the lives of thousands of families .
Key Achievements:
- Over 2,17,565 girl children have been given financial assistance of ₹1,751 crore
- For the financial year 2022-23, the State government allotted ₹300 crore for the scheme
- The scheme has contributed to the growth and education of girls born in poor minority families
- The scheme has prevented child marriages
Interesting Observation:
Most female children who have benefited from the scheme are receiving KCR kits later on . This indicates that the scheme is reaching the intended beneficiaries and contributing to maternal and child health outcomes.
Social Impact:
- Families no longer need to take high-interest loans for marriages
- Girls are staying in school until they reach 18
- Financial burden on poor families has been reduced
Shaadi Mubarak vs Kalyana Lakshmi
The Shaadi Mubarak scheme is the minority counterpart to the Kalyana Lakshmi scheme .
| Feature | Shaadi Mubarak | Kalyana Lakshmi |
|---|---|---|
| Target Communities | Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, Parsis | SC, ST, BC, EBC communities |
| Financial Assistance | ₹1,00,116 | ₹1,00,116 |
| Income Ceiling | ₹2,00,000 | ₹2,00,000 (urban) / ₹1,50,000 (rural for BC) |
| Age Requirement | Bride 18+, Groom 21+ | Bride 18+ |
| Application Portal | ePASS | ePASS |
Contact Details
State-level Contacts:
Minorities Welfare Department, Telangana
Website: https://telanganaepass.cgg.gov.in
Helpline: 040-23390228
Address: Minorities Welfare Department, Government of Telangana, Secretariat, Hyderabad
District-level Contacts:
- District Minority Welfare Officer: For application processing and queries
- MRO (Mandal Revenue Office): For offline status checks
- MeeSeva Centres: For application assistance
Important Links and PDF Notifications
Official Websites:
Telangana ePASS Portal: https://telanganaepass.cgg.gov.in
Direct Scheme Link: Available on the ePASS homepage under “Kalyana Lakshmi / Shaadi Mubarak”
Application and Status Links:
- New Registration: Available on the ePASS portal
- Application Status Check: Through “Print/Status” option
- Download Forms: Available on the ePASS portal
Important PDF Notifications:
- Scheme Guidelines (Government Order)
- Application Form Format
- Income Certificate Format
- Caste Certificate Format
Important Note:
The Shaadi Mubarak Scheme application is free of cost. Do not pay any money to agents or middlemen for application assistance. The police have warned the public against paying money for government welfare scheme benefits and urged citizens to immediately report any such fraudulent demands to the nearest police station .
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Shaadi Mubarak Scheme?
The Shaadi Mubarak Scheme is a Telangana government initiative providing ₹1,00,116 financial assistance to families of minority brides at the time of marriage .
Who is eligible for the Shaadi Mubarak Scheme?
Unmarried girls who are permanent residents of Telangana, have completed 18 years of age, belong to minority communities (Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, Parsis), and have family income below ₹2,00,000 .
What is the financial assistance amount?
The assistance is ₹1,00,116 .
How can I apply for the scheme?
Applications can be submitted online through the Telangana ePASS portal at https://telanganaepass.cgg.gov.in or offline through MeeSeva centres .
What documents are required for the scheme?
Required documents include Aadhaar card, birth certificate, caste certificate, income certificate, bank passbook, bride’s photograph, and wedding card/marriage certificate .
Is there any application fee?
No, the application process is completely free of cost .
What is the income limit for the scheme?
The annual family income must be ₹2,00,000 or less .
When should I apply for the scheme?
Applications should be submitted before the marriage or within 3 months after the marriage .
What is the groom’s age requirement?
The groom must be at least 21 years of age at the time of marriage .
How can I check my application status?
Application status can be checked online through the ePASS portal by entering the bride’s Aadhaar number and registered mobile number .