The Jammu and Kashmir government has increased the financial assistance for poor girls under the State Marriage Assistance Scheme (SMAS) from ₹50,000 to ₹75,000 for families holding Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) ration cards ¹. This move aims to empower and support eligible AAY category girls of marriageable age.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah emphasized that the government is committed to uplifting every household in need, and the financial aid will be directly transferred to the beneficiary’s bank account through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system before the marriage.
Additionally, the government has approved the distribution of additional food grains free of cost to AAY households with four or more members under the Public Distribution System (PDS), aiming to strengthen food security for vulnerable families.
Other initiatives include the Zero-Ticket Travel Initiative, a free government bus service for women, and the implementation of Zero Stamp Duty on property transfers through Gift Deeds within blood relations. These moves demonstrate the government’s commitment to social welfare, women’s empowerment, and delivering on its promises.
