The Kalyana Lakshmi Scheme is a flagship marriage assistance initiative launched by the Government of Telangana to provide financial support to families of brides from economically weaker sections. The scheme was introduced on October 2, 2014, by the then Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) government to reduce the financial burden on poor families during weddings and to prevent child marriages . Initially, the scheme provided ₹51,000 for SC/ST brides and was gradually extended to all communities, with the financial assistance increased to ₹1,00,116 by April 2018 .
The scheme operates alongside “Shaadi Mubarak,” which serves minority communities under similar eligibility rules. Together, these programs have provided financial assistance to over 3 lakh girls since their inception, with the government spending approximately ₹1,700 crore from 2014-15 to 2017-18 on the initiative . The application process is fully digitized through the ePASS portal, ensuring transparency and efficient processing.
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Overview Table: Kalyana Lakshmi Scheme 2026-27
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Kalyana Lakshmi (and Shaadi Mubarak for minorities) |
| Launched By | Government of Telangana |
| Launch Date | October 2, 2014 |
| Nodal Departments | SC/ST/BC/Minority Welfare Departments |
| Target Beneficiaries | Unmarried girls from SC, ST, BC, EBC, and Minority communities |
| Financial Assistance | ₹1,00,116 per eligible girl |
| Assistance (Disabled Girls) | ₹1,25,145 |
| Income Ceiling (Rural) | ₹1,50,000 (BC/EBC) / ₹2,00,000 (SC/ST) |
| Income Ceiling (Urban) | ₹2,00,000 |
| Official Portal | https://telanganaepass.cgg.gov.in |
| Mode of Payment | Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) |
Introduction and Background
The Kalyana Lakshmi Scheme was conceived to address two critical social challenges in Telangana: the financial hardship faced by families in performing marriages of their daughters and the prevalence of child marriages. Before the formation of Telangana in 2014, poverty and economic backwardness were common, and marriage was an expensive affair that often led families into debt . This financial strain often resulted in female school dropouts and child marriages, with the girl child being the primary victim .
The scheme was launched on October 2, 2014, by Chief Minister K. Chandrashekhar Rao to provide a one-time financial assistance of ₹51,000 to SC/ST brides. Recognizing the success of the initiative, the government gradually expanded coverage to BC, EBC, and minority communities, and increased the assistance amount to ₹75,116 in April 2017 and then to ₹1,00,116 in April 2018 . The scheme has been instrumental in reducing child marriages, as it mandates that the bride must be at least 18 years old to be eligible .
In 2026, the scheme completed a decade of implementation, having supported thousands of families. However, the scheme has faced challenges in recent years, including delays in processing applications and reduced expenditure despite budget allocations . The current Congress government is yet to fulfill its electoral promise of providing one tola of gold in addition to the cash assistance .
Objectives of the Scheme
The Kalyana Lakshmi Scheme is designed with multiple interconnected objectives aimed at empowering women and supporting families.
- Provide financial assistance of ₹1,00,116 to families of brides from economically weaker sections 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 SC, ST, BC, EBC, and Minority communities through direct financial support
- Reduce the prevalence of school dropouts among girls, as families no longer need to marry their daughters early to reduce financial burden
- Support families with disabled daughters by providing enhanced assistance of ₹1,25,145
- Ensure financial inclusion by transferring funds directly to the bride’s or her mother’s bank account
- Promote gender equality by challenging the notion that daughters are a financial burden
- Create a transparent and efficient disbursement mechanism through the ePASS portal
- Build a comprehensive database of beneficiaries for better planning and policy formulation
Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for the Kalyana Lakshmi Scheme are clearly defined to ensure benefits reach the intended beneficiaries .
General Eligibility Requirements:
- The applicant (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 SC, ST, BC, EBC, or Minority communities
- The annual income of the family must not exceed the prescribed limits
- The benefit is generally available only for the bride’s first marriage
Income Ceiling by Category:
| Category | Rural (Annual Income) | Urban (Annual Income) |
|---|---|---|
| SC/ST | ₹2,00,000 | ₹2,00,000 |
| BC/EBC | ₹1,50,000 | ₹2,00,000 |
Exclusion Criteria:
- Brides whose family income exceeds the prescribed limits
- Brides below 18 years of age at the time of marriage
- Applicants who are not permanent residents of Telangana
- Families already receiving marriage assistance under other government schemes
- Grooms below 21 years of age (in some interpretations)
Important Note:
The CAG has flagged issues where benefits were extended to ineligible beneficiaries, including underage brides, brides whose parents’ income exceeded the eligibility criteria, and brides married prior to the introduction of the scheme, amounting to ₹55.12 crore across 5,522 cases . Applicants should ensure they meet all criteria to avoid rejection.
Benefits and Financial Assistance
The Kalyana Lakshmi Scheme provides structured financial support to eligible brides.
Financial Assistance Structure:
| Category | Assistance Amount |
|---|---|
| General Beneficiaries | ₹1,00,116 |
| Differently-abled Girls | ₹1,25,145 |
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
Historical Progression:
| Period | Assistance Amount |
|---|---|
| 2014-2017 | ₹51,000 |
| April 2017 | ₹75,116 |
| April 2018 onwards | ₹1,00,116 |
Promised Enhancements:
During the election campaign, the Congress party promised to provide one tola of gold in addition to the existing cash assistance. However, this commitment has not yet been fulfilled .
Budget Allocation 2026-27:
- Total allocation: ₹2,173 crore (slight reduction from ₹2,179.69 crore in 2025-26)
- Minorities Welfare Department: ₹650 crore
- Tribal Welfare Department: ₹260 crore
- SC Development Department: ₹600 crore
Expenditure Gap:
Despite budget allocations, expenditure has significantly declined:
- 2024-25: ₹650 crore allocated, ₹403.90 crore spent
- 2025-26: ₹650 crore allocated, ₹278.40 crore spent
Application Process
The application process for the Kalyana Lakshmi 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 and click on the Kalyana Lakshmi – Shaadi Mubarak link .
Step 2: New Registration
If you are a new user, click on “New Registration” and enter basic details including mobile number and email to create an account .
Step 3: Fill Application Form
Provide the following details:
- Bride’s personal information (name, age, date of birth)
- Parent/guardian details
- Address (permanent residence)
- Caste and income details
- Marriage details (date, groom’s name)
- Bank account details for DBT
Step 4: Upload Documents
Scan and upload the required documents in the prescribed format .
Step 5: Review and Submit
Review all details carefully and submit the application. Note that applications must be submitted before the marriage, ideally at least one month in advance .
Step 6: Save Acknowledgement
Save the application reference number for future tracking.
Offline Application Support:
- Applications can also be submitted through Tahsildar offices
- Revenue Divisional Officers (RDOs) process and sanction applications after verification
Important Notes:
- Applications must be submitted before the marriage
- The CAG flagged cases where assistance was provided after marriage, indicating process gaps
- There is no mechanism to cross-check beneficiary details with KCR KIT data at the time of processing
Documents Required
Applicants must prepare the following documents for the Kalyana Lakshmi Scheme application .
Essential Documents:
- Aadhaar Card of the bride and parents
- Birth Certificate of the bride
- Caste Certificate of the bride
- Income Certificate of the parents
- Bank Passbook of the bride’s mother (or the bride)
- Wedding Card (Proof of Marriage)
- Passport-size Photograph of the bride and groom
- Proof of Residence
Additional Documents (if applicable):
- Disability Certificate (for enhanced assistance of ₹1,25,145)
- Groom’s Age Proof
Document Verification Notes:
- All documents must be clear and legible
- Original documents will be required at the time of verification
- Documents should be in Telugu or English
- Self-attested copies are required
Status Check and Tracking
Applicants can track their application status through multiple channels .
Online Status Check:
Step 1: Visit the Telangana ePASS portal
Step 2: Click on “Kalyana Lakshmi” and select “Application Status”
Step 3: Enter the Aadhaar number or mobile number
Step 4: View the current status of the application
Status Categories:
- Application Submitted
- Under Verification at Tahsildar Level
- Forwarded to RDO
- Approved
- Payment Initiated
- Payment Completed
- Rejected (with reason)
Offline Status Check:
- Visit the local Tahsildar office
- Provide the application reference number
- Staff can check the status in the system
Important Notes:
- The system does not have a provision to validate the age of the bride automatically
- Regular updates may not be available due to processing delays
Implementation Challenges and Issues
The Kalyana Lakshmi Scheme, despite its success, faces several implementation challenges .
Application Processing Delays:
- Many beneficiaries have reported receiving cheques long after their marriage, sometimes even after the birth of their first child
- Against a target of 2,17,247 applications in 2024-25, only 61,332 were processed
- In 2025-26, only 62,756 were processed against the same target
Expenditure Gaps:
- Despite budget allocations, expenditure has steadily declined
- In 2025-26, SC Development department spent only ₹200 crore against ₹600 crore allocated
- Tribal Welfare department spent ₹143.17 crore against ₹260 crore allocated
CAG Audit Findings:
The CAG flagged serious irregularities :
- ₹72.91 crore in 7,314 cases where beneficiaries first availed KCR Kits and delivered babies before accessing Kalyana Lakshmi benefits
- ₹55.12 crore in 5,522 cases paid to ineligible beneficiaries (underage brides, income exceeded limits, marriages prior to scheme introduction)
- No integrated system to verify beneficiary data across different schemes
Unfulfilled Promises:
- The Congress government’s electoral promise of providing one tola of gold remains unfulfilled
- Despite being in power for over two and a half years, the promise has not been implemented
Important Dates and Deadlines
The Kalyana Lakshmi Scheme timeline is based on government announcements.
Key Dates:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Scheme Launch | October 2, 2014 |
| Financial Assistance Enhanced | April 2018 |
| Scheme Completion (10 Years) | April 21, 2026 |
| Budget Allocation 2026-27 | February 2026 |
| First Installment Release | August 2024 (for 2024-25) |
Budget Allocation:
| Financial Year | Allocation |
|---|---|
| 2024-25 | ₹2,179.69 crore (released ₹1,225.43 crore as first installment) |
| 2025-26 | ₹2,179.69 crore |
| 2026-27 | ₹2,173 crore |
Processing Timeline (Approximate):
- Application Submission: At least one month before marriage
- Verification: 1-2 months after submission
- Sanction and Payment: Variable, often delayed
Impact and Success Stories
The Kalyana Lakshmi Scheme has made a significant impact on the lives of thousands of families .
Key Achievements:
- Over 3.9 lakh beneficiaries supported by March 2018
- Approximately ₹1,700 crore spent from 2014-15 to 2017-18
- Significant reduction in child marriages due to the 18-year age requirement
- Support provided to over 66,000 families in recent years
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
- Social stigma associated with daughters’ marriages has decreased
Beneficiary Testimonials:
Despite current challenges, beneficiaries acknowledge the scheme’s importance. However, delays in processing have become a major concern, with some receiving cheques only after their children were born .
Comparison with Other State Schemes
The Kalyana Lakshmi Scheme is comparable to marriage assistance schemes in other states.
| Feature | Kalyana Lakshmi (Telangana) | Other State Schemes |
|---|---|---|
| Assistance Amount | ₹1,00,116 | Typically ₹25,000 – ₹1,00,000 |
| Coverage | SC/ST/BC/EBC/Minority | Varies by state |
| Income Ceiling | ₹1.5-2 lakh | Varies |
| Age Requirement | Bride 18+ | Typically 18+ |
Contact Details
State-level Contacts:
Social Welfare Department / BC Welfare Department
Website: https://telanganaepass.cgg.gov.in
For Post-Matric Technical Issues: 040-23120311
Address: Government of Telangana, Secretariat, Hyderabad
Department-wise Contacts:
- SC Development Department: Manages Kalyana Lakshmi for SC beneficiaries
- Tribal Welfare Department: Manages Kalyana Lakshmi for ST beneficiaries
- BC Welfare Department: Manages Kalyana Lakshmi for BC/EBC beneficiaries
- Minority Welfare Department: Manages Shaadi Mubarak for minority beneficiaries
Important Links and PDF Notifications
Official Websites:
Telangana ePASS Portal: https://telanganaepass.cgg.gov.in
Direct Kalyana Lakshmi Link: https://telanganaepass.cgg.gov.in/KalyanLakshmi.do
Application and Status Links:
- New Registration: Available on the ePASS portal
- Application Status Check: Through the portal
- Download Forms: Available on the portal
- Edit/Upload Application: Through the portal
Important PDF Notifications:
- Scheme Guidelines (Government Order)
- Application Form Format
- Income Certificate Format
- Caste Certificate Format
Important Note:
The Kalyana Lakshmi Scheme application is free of cost. Do not pay any money to agents or middlemen for application assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Kalyana Lakshmi Scheme?
The Kalyana Lakshmi Scheme is a Telangana government initiative providing ₹1,00,116 financial assistance to families of brides from SC, ST, BC, EBC, and Minority communities for marriage expenses .
Who is eligible for the Kalyana Lakshmi Scheme?
Unmarried girls who are permanent residents of Telangana, have completed 18 years of age, belong to eligible communities, and have family income below ₹1.5-2 lakh depending on category .
What is the financial assistance amount?
The assistance is ₹1,00,116 for general beneficiaries and ₹1,25,145 for differently-abled girls .
How can I apply for the scheme?
Applications can be submitted online through the Telangana ePASS portal at https://telanganaepass.cgg.gov.in .
What documents are required for the scheme?
Required documents include Aadhaar card, birth certificate, caste certificate, income certificate, bank passbook, wedding card, and photograph of bride and groom .
Is there any application fee?
No, the application process is completely free of cost.
When should I apply for the scheme?
Applications should be submitted before the marriage, ideally at least one month in advance .
What is the income limit for the scheme?
For SC/ST, the income limit is ₹2,00,000. For BC/EBC, it is ₹1,50,000 in rural areas and ₹2,00,000 in urban areas .
Are there any delays in the scheme?
Yes, beneficiaries have reported significant delays in processing and disbursement, with some receiving assistance only after their children were born .
Is the gold promised by the Congress government being provided?
No, the one tola of gold promised during the election campaign has not yet been provided to beneficiaries .