TNI Bureau: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi launched the ‘Mukhyamantri Kanya Bibaha Yojana’ from the sacred shrine of Maa Tara Tarini, where 201 couples were married in a mass wedding ceremony.
The Chief Minister personally performed the rituals as the guardian and blessed the newlyweds. He said the scheme is not just a welfare measure but a strong step towards social security and women’s dignity. “Daughters are not a burden, they are a blessing from God,” he said.
Under the scheme, eligible brides will receive financial assistance of Rs 60,000, including Rs 45,000 directly into the bride’s bank account and Rs 15,000 for wedding expenses. The bride must be aged between 18 and 35 years and the groom between 21 and 35 years, and both must be permanent residents of Odisha.
The Chief Minister said the scheme aims to reduce the financial burden on poor families, prevent child marriage, encourage widow remarriage, discourage dowry, and promote women’s respect and social security. The programme will be implemented across all districts from 2025-26 to 2029-30, with a budget allocation of over Rs 59 crore.
Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida congratulated the newly married couples and said the scheme reflects the Chief Minister’s commitment to women’s welfare. Commerce and Transport, Mines and Steel Minister Bibhuti Bhusan Jena said the scheme addresses grassroots social issues, while Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Minister Gokulananda Mallik said it would bring a positive change in attitudes towards daughters.
Aska MP Anita Subhadarshini praised the initiative and wished the couples a happy married life. Among those present were Kabisuryanagar MLA Pratap Chandra Nayak, Chhatrapur MLA Krushna Chandra Nayak, Berhampur MLA K. Anil Kumar, Aska MLA Saroj Kumar Padhi, Khalikote MLA Purna Chandra Sethi, Digapahandi MLA Sidhanta Mahapatra, Sorada MLA Nilamani Bisoyi, and Chikiti MLA Manoranjan Dyan Samantara.
Women and Child Development Department Principal Secretary Shubha Sharma welcomed the gathering, while Director Manisha Banerjee and Ganjam Collector V. Keerthi Vasan coordinated the programme.
