The Chandranna Pelli Kanuka scheme is a welfare initiative of the Andhra Pradesh state government aimed at offering financial assistance to brides (and their families) from economically weaker or socially backward classes, particularly BPL (Below Poverty Line) categories, at the time of marriage. The scheme was introduced in April 2018. It seeks to reduce financial burden associated with marriage ceremonies and to encourage formal marriage registration, especially among SC/ST, BC and disadvantaged communities.
Why the Scheme Was Introduced: Background & Objectives
The scheme was launched to address several issues: the financial strain on poor families when their daughters marry, to curb child marriages (by imposing age eligibility), to promote registered marriages among weaker sections, and to reduce caste-barriers via incentives for inter-caste marriages. For example, when the scheme was cleared in April 2018, it was reported that 1.20 lakh women would be benefitted in the first year.
By providing a cash gift to the bride’s family, the government hopes to help meet marriage expenses, ensure legal registration of the marriage, and support social welfare and inclusion goals.
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Key Benefits: Amounts, Incentives & What Couples Get
Here are the amounts of financial assistance as per the latest available data for different caste/community categories under Chandranna Pelli Kanuka:
- For SC/ST brides marrying someone from the same community (SC/SC or ST/ST): about ₹40,000.
- If a SC/ST bride marries someone outside her community (inter-caste): around ₹75,000.
- For BC (Backward Class) brides marrying a groom from same community: about ₹30,000 – ₹50,000 (initially ₹30,000 under GO 32)
- For BC bride in an inter-caste marriage: around ₹75,000.
- For cases where either or both bride & groom are physically challenged/disabled, the assistance is ₹1,00,000.
- More up-to-date figures from a 2024 eligibility summary show: SC/ST: ₹1,00,000; SC/ST inter-caste: ₹1,20,000; BC: ₹50,000; BC inter-caste: ₹75,000.
These figures show the scheme’s value, though for exact current amounts you should check state notifications because rates may change.
Eligibility Criteria for the Scheme
To qualify under Chandranna Pelli Kanuka, applicants (bride + groom) and their families must meet several eligibility conditions:
- The bride must be a resident of Andhra Pradesh.
- The bride must have attained at least 18 years, and the groom must be at least 21 years at the time of marriage.
- The bride’s family should hold a Below Poverty Line / White Ration Card (BPL) or belong to economically weaker category.
- The scheme applies to SC/ST/BC categories (and inter-caste variants) as per government guidelines.
- The wedding should be registered, and usually the application must be made within a defined time after marriage (e.g., 60 days) in many sources.
- Educational minimums (for example 10th pass) may be specified.
It’s important to verify the latest Government Order for any updates or changes in eligibility.
How to Apply / Online Registration
Here’s the application process in practical steps:
- Visit the official scheme portal or the state government’s welfare department website. For example, a version of the official details is at “apgovt.org/chandranna-pelli-kanuka”.
- Fill in the online application form (the link or registration portal may show as chpk.ap.gov.in) or via a Meeseva/Mandal help-desk in offline mode.
- Upload or submit required documents: Aadhaar cards, caste certificate, income certificate, bank pass-book, marriage certificate, age proof, etc.
- Submit the application within the stipulated time (e.g., within 60 days of marriage) and await verification.
- After verification, the incentive amount will be credited to the bride’s bank account (or as per the government’s specified method).
Note: Make sure to check the “apply online last date” for your district and whether any special help-desk or “Kalyana Mitra” support (in earlier days) is active.
How to Check Your Application Status
Once you’ve applied, you’ll want to see if your application is approved and whether payment is credited. Here’s how:
- Use the scheme portal’s “status check” or “application status” feature (often via Aadhaar / bank account number) to see if your application is processed.
- If you’re unsure, you can visit your local Mandal/Tehsil help-desk (Meeseva / Marriage Registration Office) and ask them to check the status.
- If you do not see your name in the beneficiary list or payment is delayed, contact the help-desk or the grievance cell of the welfare department.
Important Dates & 2025 Update
Here are key timelines and recent updates:
- The scheme was launched on 20 April 2018, with the cabinet approving it on 17 April 2018.
- When introduced, the target was to benefit about 1.20 lakh women in the first year.
- In June 2024, Andhra Pradesh government issued orders renaming some welfare schemes; among them, YSR Kalyanamasthu was renamed as Chandranna Pelli Kanuka.
- Always check for the last date for applications in your district as these vary and may be updated each year.
Scheme Details: Release Date, Payment Timeline & Amounts
Regarding how payments are released and timeline details:
- According to some sources, for BC and inter-caste marriages, payments were split with part of the amount given before the marriage (20%) and the remainder after registration / wedding verification (80%).
- The incentives for different categories (as already noted) vary: e.g., SC/ST same community ~₹40,000; SC/ST inter-caste ~₹75,000; BC same community ~₹30,000; BC inter-caste ~₹75,000; disabled ~₹1,00,000. Some updated figures show higher amounts (₹1,00,000 or ₹1,20,000) for particular categories.
- The amount is credited to the bride’s bank account via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) once verification is complete.
- Monitoring reports suggest a budget allocation such as ₹300 crore for BC segment of the scheme.
Scheme Coverage: Who’s Included & Who’s Excluded
Covered groups:
- Brides belonging to SC, ST, BC categories (and inter-caste marriages involving these categories) from BPL/white-ration-card households.
- Economically weaker families in Andhra Pradesh (rural and urban) fulfilling eligibility criteria.
Excluded or watch-out conditions: - Families above income thresholds or not holding BPL/white ration card may not be eligible.
- Marriages not registered or outside stipulated time-frame (e.g., after 60 days) might forfeit benefit.
- Divorced or re-married brides may not be eligible under original rules (depending on GO).
It’s crucial to check your district’s list of exclusions or special conditions.
Implementation in Andhra Pradesh: State Specifics & Monitoring
Implementation features:
- The scheme is administered under the Social Welfare / BC welfare department of Andhra Pradesh.
- A help-desk model (e.g., “Kalyana Mitra”) was created to assist in wedding registration and benefit flow.
- Wage of the bride’s account linking, Aadhaar and bank pass-book verification are key steps.
- Monitoring includes field visits, marriage card registration verification, and if needed audits for eligibility.
- The government had set up “Single Desk” processing for the scheme to ease the application and payment flow.
What Couples Should Do Next & Key Takeaways
Here are recommended next steps if you (or someone you know) are eligible:
- Verify your eligibility carefully: caste certificate, BPL/white ration card, age, residence etc.
- Ensure your marriage is legally registered and that you apply within the stipulated time-frame.
- Collect and keep all required documents ready: Aadhaar, bank pass-book, marriage certificate, educational proof etc.
- Apply online (or via Meeseva centre) and note your application number.
- After submission, monitor your application status periodically. If payment is delayed beyond expected timeframe, contact the welfare office.
- Be alert for any updates in the scheme (such as renamed scheme, changed amounts or eligibility) because government policies sometimes change.
- Avoid fraudulent portals: Always apply via official government website or approved Meeseva/mandal office.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q1. What is the exact amount given under Chandranna Pelli Kanuka?
A1. It depends on the category: for SC/ST same-community ~₹40,000; SC/ST inter-caste ~₹75,000; BC same-community ~₹30,000; BC inter-caste ~₹75,000; and cases of physical disability ~₹1,00,000. Some updated figures show higher caps (₹1,00,000 or ₹1,20,000) for certain categories.
Q2. Who is eligible to apply?
A2. A bride resident of Andhra Pradesh, aged at least 18 years, from BPL/white ration card family, belonging to SC/ST/BC category (or involved in inter-caste marriage) and whose marriage is registered.
Q3. How soon after marriage should one apply?
A3. The scheme usually requires application within a fixed period after the marriage (commonly 60 days) to be eligible.
Q4. How can I check the status of my application?
A4. Use the official portal (or Meeseva/mandal help-desk) to check application status by Aadhaar/bank account number. If not available online, visit the local welfare office.
Q5. Is the incentive amount credited before or after marriage?
A5. Under earlier rules, part of the amount (20%) was credited before the marriage and the remainder after verification following the marriage.
Q6. Can those from general category (non-BC/SC/ST) apply?
A6. No — the scheme is specifically for SC, ST, BC and associated inter-caste marriages under BPL/white ration card eligibility.
Q7. Has the scheme been renamed or modified recently?
A7. Yes. In June 2024, the government of Andhra Pradesh issued orders renaming certain welfare schemes and including “YSR Kalyanamasthu” as Chandranna Pelli Kanuka. So always check latest official notification.
Sources & References
Official scheme details: Chandranna Pelli Kanuka – AP Govt – https://apgovt.org/chandranna-pelli-kanuka/
Important Links / Forms (if available):
- Application portal (historical): chpk.ap.gov.in (online registration)
- GO link: G.O.Ms.No.32 dated 30.10.2017 for BC community support under this scheme.