Berhampur: Affirming the state’s resolve to protect the dignity of women, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majh on Tuesday launched the ‘Mukhyamantri Kanya Bibaha Yojana’, a flagship mass marriage scheme of the state government.
Unveiling the scheme from the revered Maa Taratarini temple in Ganjam district, the Chief Minister said the initiative aims to ease the burden of marriage expenses for poor parents, ensuring that daughters begin their new lives with respect and self-worth.
Stressing that the scheme is not limited to financial aid, Majhi said the programme also seeks to eliminate social evils like dowry and promote a positive approach toward daughters and girls in society.
Officials said the initiative is designed to support economically weaker families by covering the entire cost of weddings and providing financial assistance to couples.
Under the scheme, brides aged between 18 and 35 years and grooms aged between 21 and 35 years are eligible to avail the benefit. Each bride will receive financial support of Rs 51,000, of which Rs 35,000 will be transferred directly to her bank account through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system. An additional amount of Rs 6,000 will be earmarked for marriage-related expenses, while Rs 10,000 will be provided in the form of gifts.
The gift package includes sarees, bangles, anklets, toe rings, alta, sindoor, and other traditional bridal adornments, along with household utility items such as utensils, cushions, and vessels. Officials said this comprehensive support is intended to ease the financial burden of marriage while preserving cultural traditions.
The inaugural ceremony at Goddess Taratarini temple witnessed nearly 200 couples tying the knot in a collective event. The government arranged all logistics, including venue, rituals, and community celebrations, ensuring that participants faced no financial strain.
“Marriage is a sacred institution, and no family should suffer financial distress to solemnise it. This scheme is designed to bring dignity and relief to thousands of households across Odisha,” the Chief Minister said.
Mass marriage ceremonies would be organised across the state on fixed dates, in keeping with traditional practices, he said.
Majhi further emphasised that the scheme will encourage widow remarriage and make marriage registration mandatory, thereby strengthening women’s social security. He underlined that the government’s goal is to remove worries from poor families and create a society where daughters are valued with honour and pride.
The government works continuously for the happiness and prosperity of the people, with women’s empowerment and dignity at the centre of its vision.
