Odisha launches Mukhyamantri Kanya Bibaha Yojana offering ₹51,000 marriage assistance to women from poor families, prioritizing vulnerable and low-income groups
OdishaPlus Bureau
The Odisha government has issued detailed guidelines for the newly launched Mukhyamantri Kanya Bibaha Yojana, under which financially weaker families will receive Rs 51,000 as assistance for their daughters’ marriage. As per the guidelines, Rs 35,000 will be transferred directly to the bride’s bank account, Rs 6,000 will be provided for marriage-related expenses, and Rs 10,000 will be given in the form of gifts such as anklets, toe rings, bangles, household vessels, and other essentials. These gift items will be supplied through Utkalika under the Handloom, Textiles, and Handicrafts Department.
The scheme has set clear eligibility norms. Only one eligible woman from a family can apply. The bride must be 18 to 35 years old and the groom 21 to 35 years old, and both must be residents of Odisha. While the scheme covers primarily first-time marriages, widows opting for remarriage will also be included. Priority will be given to vulnerable groups, including widows, PwDs, PVTG families, SC and ST communities, and low-income households.
The programme will be in force from 2025–26 to 2029–30, with the government approving a total outlay of Rs 59.30 crore over five years. The initiative aims to offer relief to poor families and ensure that a girl’s marriage is not delayed due to financial hardship.
The Women and Child Development Department has already written to all district collectors to begin implementation. If applications in any district exceed the sanctioned target, preference will be given to families already receiving support under state or central social security schemes. Officials said the move is intended to make marriage assistance more accessible to vulnerable women and reduce financial stress on disadvantaged households.