The "Rules for Encouraging Inter-Religious Marriages in Uttar Pradesh for Inter-Religious Married Couples, 1976" are applicable, under which married couples who belonged to different religions before marriage are categorized as inter-religious marriages. These couples are given a cash reward of ₹50,000/-, a certificate of appreciation, and a medal as encouragement. In this regard, the department's notification dated March 30, 2010, introduced amendments in Rule 7(2) of the above-mentioned rules, decentralizing the inter-religious marriage encouragement award scheme. As per these amendments, Divisional Commissioners are authorized to approve the grant of the incentive award amount as per the rules.
An annual target of 20 couples is set for the inter-religious marriage incentive award, and a budget provision of ₹10 lakh is made.
Additionally, inter-religious married couples who have received the aforementioned award, upon applying, may be granted an interest-free loan of up to ₹15,000, subject to approval by the District Industry Center. The loan is to be repaid in 10 equal half-yearly installments starting two years after the date of disbursement.