People Ready To Accept Dalits As Partners


Bangalore: Inter caste marriage has always been a taboo and is not socially accepted in many parts of India. But off late, this situation has changed and many couples are now opting for an inter-caste marriage. Maharashtra was once famously known as ‘Dagd Ancha Desh’, meaning the Land of Rocks. This state is now known for the increasing number of inter-caste marriage involving dalits, reports Subodh Ghildiyal of TNN.  

In the year 2011, the number of weddings involving dalits stood at 563, but the year 2012 had its numbers rise up to 2296. The  weddings between the dalits and non dalits increased four times than the previous year. 

Over the years, India has been witnessing a major rise in the number of inter-caste marriage involving dalits. According to the research figures released by the government there has been an increase in the numbers in the last few years, 2010-7,148 weddings, 2011- 7,648 weddings, and 2012 saw a big leap in numbers touching up to 9,623. 

The government pays up to Rs 50,000 to each inter-caste couple involving dalits. The Centre encourages these weddings because they help in breaking the caste barriers in the country.  But not many couples come forward to claim the incentive; the numbers might be more if they register their weddings.