Kalyana Lakshmi scheme:
- The Andhra Pradesh government is set to launch a new welfare scheme called “Kalyana Lakshmi” for the daughters of women belonging to DWCRA self-help groups.
- The scheme aims to provide financial assistance for marriages and will be officially launched by N. Chandrababu Naidu on May 23.
- The scheme will be jointly implemented by SERP (Society for Elimination of Rural Poverty) and the Stree Nidhi institution.
- Under this initiative, eligible beneficiaries can avail loans ranging from ₹10,000 to ₹1 lakh for marriage expenses at an interest rate of 4% (quarter-interest scheme).
- No additional processing charges will be levied. The repayment period will depend on the loan amount, with a maximum repayment tenure of 48 instalments.
- For the implementation of the scheme from 2026–27 onwards, the government has proposed an allocation of ₹250 crore.
- The scheme is designed to benefit at least 25,000 daughters of DWCRA women every year.
- It will be implemented with the slogan: “A girl’s marriage is not an economic burden, but her dignity.”
- The scheme is applicable to women who have been registered as members of a DWCRA group for at least six months.
- Beneficiaries should also have a satisfactory repayment record for loans already taken through bank linkage, Stree Nidhi, Unnathi, or other schemes.
- Applications can be submitted through the local Velugu office or via the VOA/Animator.
- The scheme will be implemented based on biometric authentication of the beneficiary.
- Applicants must submit documents such as the wedding invitation, event-related documents, and an estimated statement of marriage expenses. After verification of the marriage details, the loan amount will be directly credited into the member’s bank account. The loan will be processed within 48 hours after submission of the required documents.