Marriage Registration in Himachal Pradesh

Marriage Registration In Himachal Pradesh- An Overview

Marriage registration in Himachal Pradesh is governed by three primary laws: Himachal Pradesh Registration of Marriages Act, 1996, the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955, for marriages between Hindus, and the Special Marriage Act, 1954, for interfaith or non-religious marriages. Couples can register their marriage through the Himachal Pradesh online portal (https://edistrict.hp.gov.in/) under the Himachal Online Seva initiative, which simplifies the process. Post approval marriage registration certificate is provided. This certificate is crucial for various legal and administrative purposes, including proving marital status and claiming rights related to inheritance, property, and social security

Benefits for Marriage Registration in Himachal Pradesh

Marriage registration in Himachal Pradesh provides legal recognition and protection for couples, clearly defining their rights and responsibilities. It offers several benefits, including access to legal and social services, property rights, and an easier process for obtaining official documentation. Here is a detailed outline of the benefits:

• Enhanced Social Security and Confidence

  Marriage registration promotes social security, boosting self-confidence, especially for married women. The official recognition of the marriage underscores the commitment and legal bond between spouses.

• Valuable Evidence of Marriage

  The marriage certificate obtained through registration serves as important evidence, validating the legality and authenticity of the marital relationship. This document is essential in various legal and administrative matters.

• Simplified Visa Processing

  For couples wishing to travel or reside abroad, the marriage certificate is crucial in visa application processes. It is required to establish the marital relationship when applying for a visa for the spouse.

• Access to Financial Benefits

  Marriage registration is key when claiming benefits from bank deposits or life insurance policies, particularly in cases where the depositor or policyholder passes away without a nominated beneficiary. The certificate helps establish the spouse's entitlement to these financial benefits.

Documents Required for Marriage Registration in Himachal Pradesh

The documents necessary for applying for a marriage registration certificate include:

• Resident proof
• Certificate from the priest who solemnized the marriage
• Bride Affidavit
• Bridegroom Affidavit
• Bridegrooms Age Proof Certificate
• Brides Age Proof Certificate
• Marriage Card
• Memorandum of Marriage
• Other Documents

Process For Online Marriage Registration in Himachal Pradesh

• Step 1: Visit https://edistrict.hp.gov.in/ and select 'Citizen Login'
• Step 2: Choose 'Guest' or 'New User,' enter details
• Step 3: Fill in name, email, mobile, and submit
• Step 4: Click 'Apply for New Services' option
• Step 5: Select 'Panchayat Raj' or 'Urban Development'
• Step 6: Scroll to 'Marriage Registration and Certificate'
• Step 7: Click 'New Application' to open the form
• Step 8: Fill marriage, bride, groom, and witness details
• Step 9: Upload documents, pay fees, and submit forms
• Step 10: Download the certificate after the confirmation message.

Application Fees For Marriage Registration in Himachal Pradesh

The application fees for marriage registration in Himachal Pradesh vary based on the applicant's category and the time of application. Here is a detailed outline of the same:

• For Non-BPL applicants (if applied within 30 days of marriage) the fees is ₹200
• For BPL/IRDP applicants (if applied within 30 days of marriage) the fees is ₹25
• For Non-BPL applicants (if applied within 30 to 90 days of marriage) the fees is ₹400
• For BPL/IRDP applicants (if applied within 30 to 90 days of marriage) the fees is ₹50
• For Non-BPL applicants (if applied after 90 days of marriage) the fees is ₹400
• For BPL/IRDP applicants (if applied after 90 days of marriage) the fees is ₹50
• For Foreign nationals (if applied for marriage registration) the fees is ₹1000
• If the marriage registration is applied between 30 and 90 days after the marriage, the fee is ₹10
• If the marriage is registered between 90 days and one year after the marriage, a fee of ₹50 is charged, with written permission from the District Registrar of Marriages
• If the marriage is not reported within a year, it can only be registered with an order from the Magistrate of the 1st Class, along with a fee of ₹50
• The registration fee can be paid in cash or via money order to the Registrar of Marriages
• For voluntary marriage registration after 30 days, the fee is ₹10
• For the registration of foreign marriages, a fee of ₹100 is charged.

Special Schemes to Avail with Marriage Certificate in Himachal Pradesh

Special schemes available with a marriage certificate in [Himachal Pradesh ] offer various benefits for married couples. These schemes provide access to government welfare programs, financial assistance, and other privileges aimed at supporting married life.

• Mukhya Mantri Kanyadan Yojana in Himachal Pradesh

  The Mukhya Mantri Kanyadan Yojana is a welfare initiative in Himachal Pradesh aimed at supporting the marriage of daughters from economically weaker sections. The scheme provides financial assistance to families below the poverty line, widows, destitute women, and those with an annual income of less than ₹35,000. Its goal is to ease the financial burden on families and promote gender equality, helping them celebrate the marriage of their daughters with dignity and joy.

• Inter-caste Marriage Scheme in Himachal Pradesh

  The Inter-caste Marriage Scheme is an initiative by the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of Himachal Pradesh, aimed at promoting inter-caste marriages and fostering social integration. Under this scheme, financial assistance of up to ₹50,000 is provided to couples from different castes who get married. The objective is to break caste barriers and encourage social harmony.

• Marriage Grant of Disabled

  A sum of ₹25,000 is provided under the Marriage Subsidy Scheme for specially abled boys and girls with disabilities ranging from 42% to 74%. A sum of ₹50,000 is provided under the Marriage Subsidy Scheme for specially abled boys and girls with disabilities exceeding 75%. The government gives special priority to the education of specially abled persons. Institutes for Education and Industrial Training have been established in:

  • Dhalli (Shimla) and Sundernagar (Mandi) for the deaf, dumb, and blind.
  • In Sundernagar Institute: 30 blind and 92 deaf girls are receiving training.
  • ITI Sundernagar: 10 blind and 4 deaf & dumb girls are receiving training.
  • The government covers all education and medical expenses for these students. The Prem Ashram Una supports 50 mentally challenged children, covering their educational and medical expenses. Government also provides free living (meal & medical) support of ₹4,500 per inmate for mentally challenged adults at institutions like:
  • Aastha Welfare Society (Nahan)
  • Paradise Care Centre (Chwari)
  • Adarsh Education Society (Klath)
  • Udaan Respite Care Centre (New Shimla)
  • Asha Kiran Education Institute (Ghumarwin, Bilaspur).
  • Disability Rehabilitation Centres are established in Hamirpur and Dharamshala, run by the District Rural Development Agency and Indian Red Cross Society, Dharamshala.

• Widow Re-Marriage

  The Widow Re-Marriage Scheme is a government initiative aimed at supporting the rehabilitation of widows who have remarried. Launched by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of Himachal Pradesh, the scheme provides financial assistance to encourage remarriage and provide financial security to widows. Under the scheme, a total amount of ₹25,000 is provided: ₹10,000 as a cash grant at the time of marriage and ₹15,000 is deposited in a Fixed Deposit, which is jointly held for a minimum of five years.

Latest News About Marriage Registration in Himachal Pradesh

30 August 2024: The Himachal Pradesh Assembly recently passed the Prohibition of Child Marriage (Himachal Pradesh Amendment) Bill, 2024, raising the minimum legal age of marriage for women from 18 to 21 years, aligning it with the legal age for men. This significant step towards gender equality aims to eliminate the previous distinction in the definition of a "child" under the law, ensuring both men and women are treated equally. The Bill also extends the timeframe for individuals to annul a child marriage from two years to five years after reaching adulthood, giving both men and women the right to annul marriages until the age of 23. These amendments will ensure that the legal marriage age applies uniformly across all communities, overriding conflicting cultural or religious practices.

Health, Social Justice, and Empowerment Minister Dhani Ram Shandil, who introduced the Bill, emphasized its importance in enhancing women’s opportunities for education, career growth, and personal development. The Bill's rationale stresses that early marriage often hinders women’s physical and professional progress, negatively impacting their health and well-being. By raising the marriage age, the government aims to empower women, improve their societal position, and promote their overall advancement.