Alleged inter-caste marriage incentive scam surfaces in Kalaburagi’s Chincholi

Kalaburagi: Allegations of irregularities in the distribution of financial assistance for inter-caste marriages have surfaced in Chincholi taluk of Kalaburagi district, raising questions over the verification process followed by the Social Welfare Department.

The Karnataka government provides financial assistance to encourage inter-caste marriages and promote social harmony. Under the scheme, eligible couples are entitled to an incentive of Rs 5 lakh through the Social Welfare Department, subject to prescribed conditions, including registration of their marriage.

One of the requirements is that Rs 3 lakh must be deposited in a joint bank account held by the couple. The conditions are intended to ensure that the benefit reaches genuine beneficiaries and supports couples entering inter-caste marriages.

However, allegations have emerged that the scheme may have been misused in Chincholi through the creation of fake couples and the submission of claims for financial assistance. More than 170 inter-caste marriages have reportedly been recorded in the taluk, triggering doubts over the authenticity of some of the cases.

The allegations suggest that financial benefits running into lakhs of rupees may have been obtained by presenting ineligible or fabricated beneficiaries as genuine inter-caste couples. The claims have raised concerns about whether the required checks were conducted before public money was released.

There are also allegations that officials of the Social Welfare Department failed to conduct spot inspections, known as panchnama proceedings, in several cases before approving the assistance. Such verification is important to establish the authenticity of the applicants and the circumstances surrounding the marriages.

Some agents are suspected of having colluded with officials to facilitate the alleged irregularities and divert government funds. However, these allegations are yet to be conclusively established.

Officials have said the Social Welfare Department is investigating the matter. The inquiry is expected to examine the applications, supporting documents, verification procedures and the release of financial assistance to the beneficiaries.

The alleged misuse of a scheme intended to encourage social integration has raised concerns about accountability in the distribution of government incentives. The investigation will have to establish how many of the reported marriages were genuine, whether the prescribed conditions were followed and whether any officials or intermediaries were involved in wrongdoing.

The identities of those responsible, if any irregularities are confirmed, are expected to emerge as the inquiry progresses. Further action will depend on the findings of the investigation.