Bengaluru: In a first, the state social welfare department has decided to give Rs. 2 lakh incentive for those who come forward to marry the Devadasis. The scheme is aimed at the upliftment of Devadasis who are exploited by the society in the name of religious custom.
This money will be directly credited to the bank account of the bride and will not be given to the husband. Announcing the decision, social welfare minister H Anjaneya informed that this is the first step towards bringing the Devadasis into the mainstream. He also stated that the social welfare department is planning to buy land at an estimated cost of Rs. 50 crores to distribute among the Devadasis.
Speaking at an event organised on rehabilitation of Devadasis, minister also stated that state government is also planning to give Rs. 2,000 as a monthly incentive to the children of Devadasis. “Special grants will be released if the children join the higher education courses,” he concluded.