Intercaste marriages between castes which have socio-economic parity have increased, to some extent, but this is less true of interreligious marriages. Discuss. (150 words)

Intercaste and interreligious marriages in India reflect complex socio-cultural dynamics. While intercaste marriages are gradually increasing, interreligious unions remain rare.

Intercaste Marriages

Socio-Economic Parity: Intercaste marriages often occur between castes with similar socio-economic status, reducing potential social friction.
Government Support: Schemes like the Dr. Ambedkar Scheme provide financial incentives to encourage intercaste marriages, promoting social integration across India.
Rising Acceptance: Despite societal resistance, about 10% of marriages in India are intercaste, showing gradual acceptance.

Interreligious Marriages

Religious Segregation: Interreligious marriages are uncommon due to strong religious affiliations and societal pressures, with only 2.1% of marriages being interreligious.
Social Resistance: A significant portion of the population supports stopping interreligious marriages, reflecting deep-rooted religious conservatism.
Legal Framework: The Special Marriage Act of 1954 facilitates such unions legally but societal acceptance remains low.

Conclusion: Promoting tolerance through education and supportive policies can foster acceptance of diverse marital unions in India.