What this scheme offers
Launched on 1 February 2018 as one of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's signature welfare schemes, Rupashree addresses a specific financial trap: families borrowing at high interest to cover wedding costs, sometimes years before they're financially ready. The ₹25,000 grant is deliberately released before the marriage — not after — so it actually prevents the high-interest borrowing rather than just reimbursing it. Tying eligibility to the bride being at least 18 also gives the scheme a second purpose: a modest financial incentive against marrying daughters off before the legal age.
Who is eligible
- Bride is a permanent resident of West Bengal.
- Bride is at least 18 years old at the time of marriage.
- This is the first marriage for both bride and groom.
- Annual family income does not exceed ₹1,50,000.
- Application submitted at least 30 days before the wedding date.
Documents required
- Aadhaar card
- Age proof
- Family income certificate
- Residence proof
- Bank account in the bride's own name
- Marriage-related documents (invitation, registration intent)
How to apply
- Collect the application form from your Block Development Officer (BDO) office (rural), Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) office (urban/town), or Kolkata Municipal Corporation office if in Kolkata.
- Fill in bride, family and marriage details, along with income and residence proofs.
- Submit at least 30–60 days before the wedding date — this timing genuinely matters, since the grant is meant to arrive before the ceremony.
- The application is verified by local authorities.
- On approval, ₹25,000 is credited directly to the bride's own bank account before the marriage takes place.