Srinagar, July 22 -- Health and Education Minister Sakina Itoo on Monday announced that the government is removing the minimum educational qualification requirement for girls to avail benefits under the Marriage Assistance Scheme in Jammu and Kashmir.

Speaking to reporters said the earlier rule that made it mandatory for girls to be at least 8th standard pass to receive assistance was "unfair and exclusionary."

She said the government has recognized the concerns raised by families from economically weaker sections who were unable to meet the criteria.

"There is no need for girls to be 8th pass now, and we are removing that criterion. Putting such a condition was wrong. It went against the spirit of the scheme, which is meant to help po...