"In addition to financial assistance, state governments should also announce jobs for those opting for inter-caste marriage," he said.
There has been an increase in the number of such marriages in the last few years which has resulted in change in attitude of the people, Athwale said, adding his ministry is preparing a scheme under which more facilities would be provided to those who would opt for inter-caste marriage.
Informing that his ministry also gives scholarships to students, the Union minister said, scholarships are being given to 68 lakh students belonging to Scheduled Castes and to 72 lakh students belonging to Other Backward Classes.
The ministry also has schemes for senior citizens and for differently-abled persons. It also runs Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar Foundation to undertake various social works, Athwale added.
He condemned the Uri terror attack and said it is "necessary" to "teach a lesson" to Pakistan, which supports terrorism, and big nations like America, Russia and China should support India on this issue.
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