Bhubaneswar: In a significant move aimed at supporting women from economically disadvantaged households, the Odisha government has announced a financial assistance scheme, under which eligible women will receive ₹51,000 to facilitate marriage with dignity, cultural respect, and adherence to legal norms. The state government on Friday formally notified the guidelines for the ‘Mukhyamantri Kanya Bibaha Yojana’, outlining the eligibility criteria, disbursement mechanism, and associated provisions to ensure that the scheme benefits those who need it the most.

The scheme is targeted at women from low-income families residing in Odisha, and it applies to both brides and grooms who are permanent residents of the state. According to the guidelines, the eligibility age for brides is set between 18 and 35 years, while grooms must be between 21 and 35 years. While the scheme prioritises first-time marriages, it also allows for widow remarriages, ensuring inclusivity and support for women seeking a new beginning.

To maintain fairness and avoid duplication of benefits, the scheme specifies that only one woman per family is eligible to receive assistance, and beneficiaries should not have availed of any other marriage assistance under state or central government schemes. Priority will be accorded to widows, persons with disabilities, Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and Scheduled Castes (SCs). Applications will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis, with district authorities designated to ensure transparency and efficient implementation.

The financial assistance of ₹51,000 under the scheme is structured to cover multiple aspects of a marriage. A total of ₹35,000 will be transferred directly to the bride’s bank account via the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mechanism, ensuring timely receipt of funds. An additional ₹10,000 will be allocated for a wedding gift kit, which includes traditional items such as a saree, bangles, anklets, and rings. The remaining ₹6,000 is earmarked for event support during community weddings, helping families manage ceremonies in a dignified manner while adhering to cultural practices.

The guidelines emphasise that district authorities will play a crucial role in overseeing the implementation, ensuring that marriages are conducted with due cultural respect and in compliance with all legal requirements, including mandatory marriage registration. This supervisory mechanism aims to prevent misuse of the scheme while promoting socially responsible practices.

The Mukhyamantri Kanya Bibaha Yojana will be effective for five financial years, from 2025–2026 to 2029–2030, and couples must submit physical applications to designated district-level implementing agencies. The structured approach ensures that the scheme reaches the intended beneficiaries efficiently, with proper verification and documentation at each step.

This initiative builds upon previous efforts by the Odisha government to support women through financial schemes. The Mohan Charan Majhi government had earlier introduced the Subhadra Yojana, which provided women aged 21 to 60 years with a total assistance of ₹50,000 over five years, disbursed in two instalments annually. The new Mukhyamantri Kanya Bibaha Yojana expands this vision by directly addressing marriage-related expenses and incorporating provisions for community events and gift support, reflecting a more holistic approach to social welfare.

By directly transferring a substantial portion of the funds to the bride’s bank account, the government is promoting financial empowerment for women, ensuring that they have control over a part of the marriage resources. The inclusion of provisions for wedding kits and community support demonstrates sensitivity to the cultural dimensions of marriage in Odisha, helping families celebrate such occasions without financial strain.

Officials emphasised that the scheme is intended not only to provide monetary support but also to preserve dignity and cultural values. District-level agencies are tasked with ensuring that ceremonies under the scheme are conducted in a respectful and organised manner, and the legal formalities, including mandatory registration of marriages, are strictly followed. This dual focus on financial assistance and social propriety aims to create a sustainable model of support that benefits women while reinforcing community norms.

The scheme has been widely welcomed by social welfare experts, women’s rights activists, and community leaders. By addressing economic barriers to marriage and extending eligibility to widows, persons with disabilities, and members of marginalised communities, the Odisha government seeks to promote social equity and inclusivity.

The government has also highlighted that the scheme will help reduce the financial burden on poor families, particularly in rural areas where arranging marriage ceremonies can be prohibitively expensive. By covering essential costs and providing structured support, the Mukhyamantri Kanya Bibaha Yojana is expected to enhance social dignity and reduce stress associated with marriage arrangements.

Overall, this initiative represents a comprehensive approach to social welfare, combining financial assistance, legal compliance, and cultural sensitivity to empower women from economically weaker sections. By facilitating marriage with dignity and providing targeted support, the Odisha government aims to strengthen the social fabric of the state while promoting gender equality and economic empowerment.