Bhubaneswar, Jan 8 (NationPress) The Odisha Women and Child Development (WCD) Department has officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Utkalika, the Odisha State Co-operative Handicraft Corporation Ltd., to provide gift items as part of the Mukhyamantri Kanya Bibaha Yojana.

Utkalika operates under the Handlooms, Textiles and Handicrafts Department of the state.

This agreement was executed at the departmental conference hall, with the presence of Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Women and Child Development Pravati Parida. As part of the MoU, Utkalika will deliver gift articles to eligible beneficiaries participating in the marriage assistance initiative.

The Mukhyamantri Kanya Bibaha Yojana is a flagship program initiated by the Odisha government, aimed at assisting brides from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Each eligible bride receives financial assistance of Rs 51,000 for her marriage. Out of this sum, Rs 35,000 is directly deposited into the beneficiary’s bank account through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system, Rs 6,000 is allocated for marriage-related expenses, and Rs 10,000 is provided in the form of gifts.

The gift package is composed of items such as anklets, toe rings, bangles, household vessels, and other essentials.

Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida stated that the gifts will include sarees, bangles, anklets, toe rings, alta, sindoor, and additional traditional bridal accessories, along with household items like utensils and cushions.

She emphasized that the collaboration with Utkalika will guarantee the prompt delivery of benefits to eligible women, while also promoting Odisha’s handloom and handicraft industries.

Parida noted that mass marriage events will be organized throughout the state on scheduled dates, adhering to traditional customs. The Chief Minister is expected to attend these ceremonies to bless the couples and perform symbolic kanyadaan.

Describing the Mukhyamantri Kanya Bibaha Yojana as a pivotal welfare initiative, Parida mentioned that the scheme not only fortifies social security for women from underprivileged backgrounds but also aids local artisans by merging welfare delivery with the promotion of handloom and handicraft products.

The signing of the MoU, which was attended by senior officials from both the Women and Child Development Department and the Handlooms, Textiles and Handicrafts Department, is anticipated to facilitate the smooth execution of the scheme and timely delivery of benefits to beneficiaries across Odisha.