Srinagar, June 24: Social welfare Minister Sakina Masood Itoo on Tuesday said that marriages should not be tied to a person’s educational qualification, and promised that the government will review an earlier order that set an eighth‑class qualification requirement for girls seeking financial assistance for their marriages.
Speaking to media persons in Srinagar, Sakina Itoo said, “Marriage is a sacred and personal matter, and it should never be linked with education. This restriction was introduced two years ago under the LG‑led administration, making an eighth‑class pass mandatory for obtaining marriage aid. We disagreed with it then, and we disagree with it now.”
The minister said that such a restriction affects the economically weaker sections the most. “We have always believed that every girl has the right to marry with dignity, regardless of her academic background. Our priority is to uplift those who have been left behind due to poverty or other hardships, and this requirement contradicts that goal,” Itoo added.
She said, “Earlier, the marriage assistance was Rs. 50,000, and after Omar Abdullah became Chief Minister, it was increased to Rs. 75,000. This clearly shows the government’s commitment to making life better for economically weaker sections. We understand the struggles that families face, especially when it comes to marriages, and we are here to help.”
Sakina Itoo assured that the government will review the existing order and make necessary changes. “We will revisit the qualification requirement soon and remove any barriers that complicate the process. Our goal is to make sure that every girl can get married with respect and that every family receives the help it needs,” she said. (JKNS)
