The Congress government in Telangana has intensified efforts to promote inter-caste marriages as part of its social equality agenda. During the 2025–26 financial year, up to December 31, 2025, the government allocated Rs 2,680 lakh under the Inter-Caste Marriage Incentive Scheme and utilised Rs 2,485.09 lakh, recording a utilisation rate of 93 per cent. A total of 994 couples across the State benefited from the scheme.

The initiative aims to address social divisions rooted in the caste system and encourage equality and fraternity. The government has emphasised timely release of funds and transparent implementation, marking a shift from earlier periods when delays and gaps in beneficiary selection were reported.

District-wise figures indicate wide coverage. Peddapalli recorded the highest number of beneficiaries with 114 couples receiving Rs 285 lakh. Nalgonda and Warangal Urban followed with 111 couples each, receiving Rs 277.50 lakh per district. Mancherial accounted for 85 couples with Rs 212.50 lakh, Rangareddy for 74 couples with Rs 185 lakh, and Nizamabad for 67 couples with Rs 167.50 lakh. In Hyderabad district, 56 couples received Rs 149 lakh, while Khammam recorded 75 couples with Rs 187.50 lakh.

Officials noted that fund utilisation was relatively low in a few districts due to lack of awareness and fewer applications. To address this, the government plans special awareness drives and district-level reviews during the remaining period of the financial year. Minister for Scheduled Castes Development, Tribal Welfare, and the Department for the Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Adluri Laxman Kumar, said earlier efforts to promote inter-caste marriages were largely limited to paperwork. “After the Congress government came to power, the scheme is being implemented effectively to ensure direct benefits to eligible couples. This is not just financial assistance but a social commitment to eliminate caste discrimination,” he said.

The Minister added that the government intends to expand the scheme further by increasing allocations, simplifying procedures and enhancing outreach among youth, under the leadership of Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy.