Answer

Inter-caste marriages occur between individuals from different castes within the same religion, while inter-religious marriages happen between individuals of different religions. While both types of unions break traditional societal norms, their dynamics differ. According to the National Family Health Survey, only 2.1% of marriages in India are inter-religious, while 10% are inter-caste. This shows a disparity in the acceptance and growth of these unions, with inter-caste marriages being relatively more common.

Reasons for the Increase in Inter-caste Marriages Between Castes with Socio-Economic Parity:

• Urbanization and Education: Increasing urbanization and higher education have brought different castes together, especially those with similar economic backgrounds, leading to more inter-caste marriages.
• Economic Independence: Financial independence, particularly among women, has led to a rise in marriages based on personal choice, rather than caste considerations.
• Changing Social Norms: Over time, societal views on caste have become more flexible, especially among younger generations, allowing marriages within socio-economically similar castes.
• Economic Parity as a Bridge: When two individuals from different castes share a similar socio-economic status, caste barriers often diminish, making marriage more acceptable.
• Government Incentives: Government schemes promoting inter-caste marriages have contributed to an increase in such unions.
  For instance: The Ambedkar Scheme for Social Integration through Inter-Caste Marriages offers financial incentives for inter-caste marriages.
• Greater Exposure through Workplaces: The modern workplace brings individuals from different castes together, allowing people to form relationships based on shared professional interests.
  For instance: Inter-caste marriages among IT professionals have increased due to the work environment.
• Decline of Caste-based Occupations: The traditional link between caste and occupation has weakened, leading to greater social mobility and acceptance of inter-caste marriages among the economically similar castes.
  For example: Agricultural communities that once adhered to strict caste lines now increasingly accept inter-caste marriages as economic roles diversify.

Reasons for Lower Prevalence of Inter-Religious Marriages:

• Strong Religious Identities: Religious identity remains a strong cultural marker, and many families prioritise maintaining their religious traditions, discouraging inter-religious marriages.
• Community Pressures: Social and family pressures often deter inter-religious marriages, as communities fear loss of religious traditions and identity.
• Legal Complexities: Legal challenges around inter-religious marriages, including issues related to religious conversion, inheritance, and child rights, make such unions more difficult to navigate.
  For instance: The Special Marriage Act, 1954 allows inter-religious marriages, but legal and social challenges still discourage many couples from pursuing this option.
• Religious Laws and Conversion: Religious laws often require one partner to convert to the other’s religion before marriage, creating barriers to inter-religious unions.
• Cultural Differences: Despite socio-economic parity, cultural practices between different religions—such as wedding rituals and family roles—often discourage marriages across religious lines.
• Fear of Social Ostracism: Couples in inter-religious marriages often face the threat of social ostracism from their communities, which discourages many from considering such unions.

Government and Social Support Initiatives Promoting Inter-caste and Inter-religious Marriages

• Ambedkar Scheme for Inter-Caste Marriages: This government initiative offers financial incentives to couples where one partner belongs to a Scheduled Caste and the other does not.
  For example: Couples marrying under this scheme receive up to ₹2.5 lakh as a reward for promoting social integration.
• Special Marriage Act, 1954: This law provides a legal framework for inter-religious and inter-caste marriages, offering couples protection from religious laws.
• Social Awareness Campaigns: Various NGOs and social activists promote awareness and acceptance of inter-caste and inter-religious marriages through campaigns.
• Safe Houses for Couples: State governments provide safe houses for couples who face violence or threats due to their choice to marry outside their caste or religion.
• Promotion of Legal Literacy: Government and NGOs work to improve legal literacy among couples, ensuring they are aware of their rights under the Special Marriage Act 1954 and other protective laws.
  For example: Legal awareness camps organized by Human Rights Law Network help couples understand their rights to marry freely.

While inter-caste marriages have increased, especially among castes with socio-economic parity, inter-religious marriages remain less common due to stronger religious and cultural barriers. By addressing these barriers through legal protections, awareness programs, and social support, India can further promote social harmony and inclusivity, creating a society where individuals can marry based on personal choice rather than societal expectations.

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