Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has unveiled Mukhyamantri Kanya Bibaha Yojana, a scheme to support economically weaker families by providing Rs 51,000 financial assistance to eligible brides.
Officials said the total assistance of Rs 51,000 includes Rs 35,000 to be transferred to the bride’s bank account through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). The scheme also provides Rs 10,000 for a wedding gift kit, including a saree, bangles, anklets, and rings. This apart, Rs 6,000 will be provided for organising the marriage event.
The scheme aims at ensuring that marriages are conducted with dignity, cultural respect, and legal compliance.
In order to be eligible, both the bride and groom must be permanent residents of Odisha. The bride’s age should be between 18-35 years, and the groom’s age should be between 21-35 years. While first-time marriage is a requirement, widow remarriage is also eligible. Only one eligible woman per family can receive support, and neither family should have received marriage assistance from any other State or Central scheme.
Sources said the scheme gives priority to widows seeking remarriage, persons with disabilities, PVTGs, Scheduled Tribes, Scheduled Castes, and applicants from low-income households. Others will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis.
Eligible couples must submit physical applications to designated district-level Implementing Agencies. The agencies will verify eligibility, check supporting documents, and forward cases to the District Level Committee for final approval.
The scheme is applicable in all districts of Odisha and will be operational from 2025-2026 to 2029-2030. Applications will be approved as per district budget availability.
