Odisha government partners with Utkalika to provide wedding gifts to beneficiaries under the Marriage Assistance Scheme, supporting women and local artisans
OdishaPlus Bureau
The women and child development department of the Odisha government has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Utkalika, an organization affiliated with the handloom, weaving, and handicrafts department, to provide wedding gift items to beneficiaries of its marriage assistance scheme.
As part of this agreement, Utkalika will supply sarees, bangles, anklets, footwear, ornaments, alta, sindoor, bindis, various bridal accessories, and selected household items to women who are getting married.
The MoU was signed in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, who stated that this collaboration would ensure that welfare benefits reach the intended recipients while also promoting the handloom and handicraft sectors of Odisha.
“This initiative will enhance support for local artisans and fortify social security for women from economically disadvantaged backgrounds,” Parida remarked.
Under the scheme, the state government offers financial assistance of ₹51,000 to girls at the time of their marriage. Of this amount, ₹35,000 is directly transferred to the beneficiary’s bank account within seven days following the registration of the marriage. Additionally, ₹10,000 is allocated for wedding gifts and ₹6,000 for accessories.
Utkalika will source these items from local artisans, thereby establishing a consistent market for traditional handicrafts, as noted by the Deputy Chief Minister.
Parida also mentioned that the government intends to organize mass marriage ceremonies throughout the state. Marriage certificates will be distributed during these ceremonies, which will be coordinated with district administrations.
In response to this initiative, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has labeled it as “hypocritical.” BJD spokesperson Lelin Mohanty criticized the government for its failure to ensure women’s safety, pointing to an increase in rape cases. “In such a context, providing wedding gifts is absurd,” he stated.
