Marriage is one of the most important milestones in a woman’s life, and in India, it is often marked by cultural traditions like gifting gold ornaments. However, for many families, especially those from economically weaker sections, buying gold can become a financial burden. In Assam, where the tradition of gifting gold remains strong, the state government launched a scheme to ease this pressure. The Assam Arundhati Gold Scheme was introduced by the Government of Assam in January 2020 to support newly-wed brides by providing financial assistance for purchasing gold.
This unique initiative is designed not only to respect cultural values but also to empower women and reduce the economic strain on their families during marriage. With a financial benefit of ₹40,000 given directly to the bride’s bank account, the scheme ensures transparency and encourages timely marriage registration. It also aims to reduce the influence of the dowry system and promote dignity and equality for women. This scheme stands as a progressive step in combining tradition with empowerment, helping thousands of families across Assam celebrate marriage with pride, not pressure. Through this article, let’s explore the key details, objectives, eligibility criteria, application process, and much more about the Arundhati Gold Scheme.
Assam Orunodoi 3.0 Beneficiary Status
About Assam Arundhati Gold Scheme
The Assam Arundhati Gold Scheme is a welfare initiative launched by the Assam Government, primarily aimed at providing financial aid to newly-wed brides belonging to economically weaker families. Under this scheme, eligible brides receive ₹40,000 in their bank account to help them purchase around 10 grams of gold. The scheme is applicable only to first marriages and only if the couple registers their marriage under the Special Marriage Act, 1954. The funds are directly credited to the bride’s account through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), ensuring transparency and eliminating middlemen.
Introduced in January 2020, the scheme is rooted in the cultural practice of gifting gold at the time of marriage while also addressing modern social issues such as financial stress, dowry, and gender inequality. Families with an annual income of less than ₹5 lakh are eligible to apply. The government has also simplified the eligibility for Tea Tribe and Adivasi communities by waiving off educational requirements. With gold being a symbol of dignity and security in Indian culture, the Assam Arundhati Gold Scheme not only honors tradition but also strengthens the social and financial position of women. This progressive initiative reflects the Assam government’s commitment to empowering its women while preserving cultural values.
Objective of the Assam Arundhati Gold Scheme
The primary objective of the Assam Arundhati Gold Scheme is to reduce the financial burden on economically weaker families during their daughters’ marriage and to empower women by supporting them with a valuable asset. In many Indian communities, especially in Assam, gold holds cultural and emotional significance. It is seen as a symbol of security, status, and prosperity. However, the rising cost of gold often makes it difficult for poor families to uphold this tradition. Recognizing this, the Assam government launched the scheme to help families fulfill this cultural expectation without falling into debt or hardship.
By providing a financial grant of ₹40,000 to eligible brides, the government aims to ensure that no parent feels ashamed or helpless during their daughter’s marriage. Another goal of the scheme is to promote legally registered marriages under the Special Marriage Act, 1954, thereby reducing child marriages and encouraging legal union practices. It also sends a strong message against the dowry system by emphasizing assistance in the form of gold—not as a dowry, but as a blessing. Ultimately, the scheme seeks to uplift women, reinforce their dignity, and ensure they begin their married life with a sense of pride, support, and equality.
Short Summery of Assam Arundhati Gold Scheme
| Scheme | Assam Arundhati Gold Scheme |
| Purpose | Provide ₹40,000 to low-income, newly-wed brides in Assam |
| Eligibility | Bride ≥ 18; Groom ≥ 21; first marriage; registered on/after 01‑Dec‑2019; income < ₹5 lakh |
| Benefits | Funds transferred via DBT to bride’s bank account |
| Process | Apply online/offline; submit documents; verification; receive funds |
| FAQs | Covers eligibility, documents, tracking, and issues |
| Helpline | 0361‑2452854, dlrs‑igr@assam.gov.in |
Benefits of the Assam Arundhati Gold Scheme
- ₹40,000 financial aid to purchase 10 grams of gold for brides.
- Cultural upliftment helping brides wear gold on their wedding day without burdening parents.
- Encourages financial self-reliance funds are credited directly to the bride’s bank account.
- Transparent fund transfer via DBT reduces misuse.
- Reduces stress on families by covering a significant part of the wedding expenses.
Eligibility Criteria
- The bride’s age must be 18 years or older at marriage registration.
- Groom’s age must be 21 years or older.
- Marriage registration should be registered under the Special Marriage Act, 1954.
- Marriage date must be on or after 1st December 2019.
- The income limit family income must be below ₹5 lakh per year.
- The first marriage only scheme applies only to the bride’s first marriage.
Educational criteria for Assam Arundhati Gold Scheme
- General/TGE communities: Both bride and groom should have passed at least HSLC (10th class).
- Tea-tribe and Adivasi communities: No educational qualification required for the next five years.
Documents Required
- Proof of age: HSLC pass certificate or birth certificate; medical certificate if needed.
- Proof of marriage: Attested copy of marriage certificate issued by the Marriage Officer.
- An income certificate issued by the Circle Officer of the area.
- First marriage certificate from Gaonburah or Mouzadar confirming it’s the first marriage.
- Bank details: Copy of bank passbook/IFSC information.
- Identity proof: Aadhaar or voter ID.
How to Apply Online Assam Arundhati Gold Scheme
Step 1: The applicants must visit the official website to apply under this scheme.
Step 2: On the homepage, locate and click on the option “Apply Online” under the Arundhati Gold Scheme section.
Step 3: On the next page, fill out the form with personal, income, marriage, and bank details.
Step 4: Upload scanned documents listed above.
Step 5: Submit the form and print the acknowledgment slip with the application number.
Step 6: Visit the Marriage Registration Officer’s office with original documents for verification.
Step 7: Upon approval, ₹40,000 will be credited directly to the bride’s bank account via DBT.
Offline Process of the Assam Arundhati Gold Scheme
Step 1: Apply for marriage registration under the Special Marriage Act.
Step 2: Submit a physical Arundhati scheme form alongside this application.
Step 3: Provide attested copies of all documents.
Step 4: Receive a receipt for your application.
Get notified via SMS/email about acceptance or rejection.
On acceptance, the scheme amount will be transferred to the bank account which is mentioned.
Contact Details
- Helpline number: 0361‑2452854
- Email: dlrs‑igr@assam.gov.in
FAQs
Who is eligible for the Assam Arundhati Gold Scheme?
First-time brides from Assam, aged 18 or above, groom aged 21+, family income less than ₹5 lakh, marriage registered post-1 Dec 2019.
How much assistance will I get?
₹40,000 (approximately the cost of 10 grams of gold) is transferred after application approval.
What documents are needed?
Age proof, marriage certificate, income certificate, first-marriage certificate, bank passbook, and identity proof.
Can I track my application online?
Yes, use the “Track Application” option on the official portal.
How long does verification take?
Officials usually process the application within a week. If not, district registrar acts as an appellate authority.
What if the amount doesn’t arrive in my account?
You will be notified of verification. If funds aren’t credited in time, use the helpline (0361‑2452854) or contact the Inspector General of Registration.
