New Scheme for Deserted Indian Women

There have been several cases where Indian women have been either deserted or divorced by their overseas Indian spouses soon after marriage. The Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs, Government of India, has decided to introduce a scheme to provide financial assistance for obtaining legal and counseling services through Indian Missions. A copy of the press release on the subject issued by the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs t is enclosed.

1. The objective of the scheme is to provide some financial aid to cover the following type of cases:-

i) A woman whose marriage is solemnized and registered in India but who is deserted in India or overseas within two years of the marriage

ii) Divorce proceedings initiated by the spouse within two years of the marriage

iii) An ex-parte decree of divorce or annulment of the marriage is obtained by the spouse and a case for maintenance/alimony is required to be filed.

2. The assistance will be provided through empanelled organization/NGO who will enlist Indian community advocates/lawyers, preferably women lawyers, to do voluntary work to provide legal assistance on a pro-bono basis.

3. The assistance under the scheme would be limited to $ 1000 per case to enable the organization/NGO to undertake initial work/documentation required for the legal proceedings on the woman’s behalf.

(N.G.Vasanth Kumar)
First Secretary & HOC