Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has finalised arrangements to provide essential wedding items to beneficiaries under the Mukhya Mantri Kanya Bibaha Yojana (MKBY), a flagship scheme aimed at supporting marriages of girls from economically weaker sections.
The state-run Odisha State Cooperative Handicrafts Corporation, known as Utkalika, has been entrusted with supplying these gift items following a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on January 8 with Women and Child Development (WCD) Department.
While Additional Secretary Sumitra Pattnayak represented the WCD Department and Managing Director Mamata Nayak signed on behalf of Utkalika, which functions under the state Handlooms, Textiles and Handicrafts Department.
The agreement ensures that eligible brides receive traditional and household essentials sourced from Odisha’s handloom and handicraft sector.
Under the scheme, each beneficiary receives a total assistance of Rs 51,000. This includes Rs 35,000 as direct financial transfer to the bride’s bank account and another Rs 10,000 allocated for procuring wedding gifts through Utkalika. The remaining amount covers marriage-related expenses.
The gifts include handloom sarees, silver ornaments such as anklets and toe rings, bangles, alta, sindoor, and other traditional bridal adornments, along with household items like utensils and cushions/upholstery.
Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, who hold the WCD and Handlooms, Textiles & Handicrafts portfolios, emphasised that the initiative will not only alleviate financial burdens on poor families but will also promote rich handloom and handicraft traditions of the state while supporting local artisans.
The MKBY, operational until 2030, prioritises vulnerable groups, including widows seeking remarriage, and encourages mass marriage ceremonies, timely marriage registration, and dowry prohibition.
