Bhubaneswar, Feb 3 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Odisha, Mohan Charan Majhi, inaugurated the significant Mukhyamantri Kanya Vivaha Yojana on Tuesday, emphasizing that this initiative transcends a mere public welfare scheme; it represents a distinctive endeavor by the state government to enhance the social security of its citizens.

The launch occurred at a special event near the renowned Maa Tara Tarini temple in Ganjam, where 201 couples participated in a mass marriage ceremony. CM Majhi actively engaged in the event, personally carrying out the 'Kanyadan' ritual and offering blessings to the newlyweds.

During the event, the Chief Minister stated, “Our goal is to create an Odisha where no girl is compelled to marry before reaching the legal marriage age due to financial constraints or societal pressure. This scheme aims to convey a new societal message that daughters are not a burden but rather blessings from God.”

Under this scheme, brides are required to be between the ages of 18 and 35 and grooms between 21 and 35. Only individuals who are permanent residents of Odisha can avail themselves of the scheme's benefits.

The state government will provide financial assistance of Rs 60,000 to qualified brides. Out of this total, Rs 45,000 will be directly credited to the bride’s bank account, while the remaining Rs 15,000 will be allocated for wedding-related expenses.

This initiative seeks to offer substantial financial support to economically disadvantaged families, particularly those belonging to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, ensuring that the marriage of daughters does not impose a financial strain on their parents.

CM Majhi remarked that the scheme is designed to alleviate the financial pressures associated with marriage for economically weaker families and significantly bolster the dignity and social security of women, while also promoting widow remarriage and combating the dowry system.

He further noted that this flagship welfare program will be rolled out across all districts of Odisha during the financial years 2025–26 to 2029–30, with a budget allocation exceeding Rs 59 crore.

“True development encompasses more than just physical infrastructure; it involves ensuring the safety of our mothers and sisters and creating a promising future for them. In a ‘Samruddha Odisha’ or prosperous Odisha, every girl should receive an education, every woman should feel secure, and every family should live with dignity. The ‘Subhadra Yojana’ and ‘Mukhyamantri Kanya Vivaha Yojana’ will undoubtedly contribute to providing comprehensive security and respect for women in our state,” emphasized CM Majhi.