Odisha Mukhyamantri Kanya Bibaha Yojana

Scheme Introduction: A Brief Overview

• Odisha Government is set to introduce a new marriage assistance programme called Mukhyamantri Kanya Bibaha Yojana.
• The government aims to use this scheme to stop child marriage, curb dowry, support widow remarriage, and offer respectful wedding ceremonies to families that struggle financially.
• The Women and Child Development Department will run and monitor the entire scheme.
• Under this programme, the government will invest Rs. 60,000 for every couple whose wedding takes place through the scheme.
• From this amount, Rs. 45,000 will be sent directly to the beneficiary's bank account within seven days of completing the marriage registration.
• Another Rs. 10,000 will go towards gifts such as a traditional saree, bangles, anklets, toe rings, and other essentials.
• The remaining Rs. 5,000 will cover decoration, refreshments, seating, logistics, and the overall wedding arrangements.
• The scheme will run in Odisha for five years, from 2025-26 to 2029-30.
• All girls from low-income families, including widows, can apply for financial support under this programme.
• A budget of Rs. 12 crore is also allocated for the implementation of this scheme.
• There will be no need to apply directly for financial assistance for marriage under the Mukhyamantri Kanya Bibaha Yojana.
• Beneficiaries will be selected by the implementing agency through the community outreach program and thereafter, the Anganwadi Workers will help the applicants to fill out the application form.
• Contact the District Social Welfare Officer in case any help or assistance is required regarding the Mukhyamantri Kanya Bibaha Yojana of the Odisha Government.

Scheme Benefits

• The government sets aside Rs. 60,000 for every couple covered under this scheme.
• This total amount is divided in the following way :-
  • Rs. 45,000 goes straight into the beneficiary's bank account as cash support.
  • Rs. 10,000 is used to provide essential gifts and basic household items.
  • Rs. 5,000 is given to the implementing agency to manage the event and handle logistics.
• All marriages under the scheme take place through a community or mass wedding ceremony.

Eligibility Requirement

• The bride and groom must both belong to Odisha and live here permanently.
• The bride's age should fall between 18 and 35 years.
• The groom must be between 21 and 35 years old.
• Women who are widowed and want to remarry can also receive the assistance.
• The girl applying for the benefit must come from a low-income family.
• Only one daughter from a family can receive the marriage assistance.
• The family shouldn't be taking benefits from any other state or central marriage assistance scheme.
• Under the Mukhyamantri Kanya Bibaha Yojana, the government gives preference to :-
  • Widows who wish to remarry.
  • Applicants with physical disabilities.
  • Girls from ST, SC and PVTG communities.
  • Households with very low income.

Required Documents

• Bride and Groom Aadhaar Card.
• Mobile Number and Email.
• Bank Account Number/ Copy of Passport.
• Recent Photos.
• Disability Certificate. (For the Disabled)
• Caste Certificate.
• Family Annual Income Certificate.
• Age Proof.
• Death Certificate of a Husband. (Widows Only)

Steps to Apply

• Odisha Government teams up with the selected implementing agency to run a community outreach drive where people are informed about the Mukhyamantri Kanya Bibaha Yojana.
• During this campaign, the agency officials meet families and identify who actually fits the eligibility rules of the scheme.
• Once they shortlist the right applicants, the officials collect documents like Aadhaar, age proof, bank passbook and other required papers.
• Anganwadi Workers (AWWs) themselves fill out the Mukhyamantri Kanya Bibaha Yojana application form for each eligible girl.
• The implementing agency checks the form and documents first to make sure everything is correct.
• After that, they send the list of selected applicants to the District Social Welfare Officer (DSWO) for the next round of scrutiny.
• The DSWO goes through every application and forwards the verified cases to the District Level Committee, which the Collector heads, for the final nod.
• Once a couple gets the final approval, they receive an official message on their registered mobile number.
• The implementing agency then fixes the group marriage date and starts planning the arrangements along with the Registrar, the DSWO, and the CDPO.
• On the wedding day, the Registrar stays at the venue and verifies every couple in person.
• The newly married couple must submit copies of the marriage certificate to both the Child Development Project Officer (CDPO) and the District Social Welfare Officer (DSWO).
• After all formalities are completed, the Government of Odisha sends the promised Rs. 45,000/- marriage assistance directly into the beneficiary's bank account.
• For any confusion, issues, or help, the couple can contact their District Social Welfare Officer.

Relevant Links

• Odisha Women and Child Development Department Website.

Contact Information

• Odisha Women and Child Development Department Contact Details.