Bhubaneswar: In a powerful blend of social reform, tradition and women’s empowerment, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Monday launched the Mukhyamantri Kanya Vivah Yojana at the sacred shrine of Maa Tara Tarini in Ganjam district, marking a major step towards easing the financial burden of marriage for economically weaker families in Odisha.
The launch ceremony witnessed the solemnization of mass marriages for 201 young women, symbolising the State’s commitment to dignity, equality and social security for daughters.
The Chief Minister personally participated in the rituals, offering prayers and blessings to the newlyweds at the revered altar. Addressing the gathering, Majhi said the scheme goes beyond conventional welfare, calling it an innovative intervention aimed at strengthening social justice and women’s rights. “Our vision is to ensure that no girl is pushed into early marriage due to poverty or social pressure,” he said.
Emphasising the cultural shift the scheme seeks to bring, the Chief Minister asserted that daughters should never be viewed as a burden. “Girls are a divine blessing to families and to society,” he said, adding that true development is measured not by infrastructure alone but by the security, dignity and empowerment of women.
Under the Mukhyamantri Kanya Vivah Yojana, eligible brides between 18 and 35 years and grooms aged 21 to 35 years, who are permanent residents of Odisha, receive financial assistance of ₹60,000 per couple. Of this, ₹45,000 is directly transferred to the bride’s bank account, while ₹15,000 is provided to support wedding ceremonies. The beneficiaries are selected through a transparent process at district and block levels, ensuring the assistance reaches deserving families from economically weaker sections.
Highlighting the wider social impact, Majhi said the scheme would help curb dowry practices, promote widow remarriage and reduce the financial stress associated with marriages. He announced that the programme would be implemented across all districts from 2025–26 to 2029–30, with a budgetary allocation exceeding ₹59 crore.
Linking the initiative to other women-centric programmes such as the Subhadra Yojana, the Chief Minister said the government is working towards providing comprehensive protection, self-respect and economic security to women across the State.
Deputy Chief Minister Parvati Parida, congratulating the newly married couples, described the scheme as a reflection of the government’s promise to stand by women at every stage of life. “This initiative fulfils our responsibility towards Kanya Vivah and our commitment to Subhadra Maa,” she said, wishing the couples a blessed married life under Maa Taratarini’s grace.
Minister for Commerce and Transport, Mines and Steel Bibhuti Bhushan Jena termed the initiative a landmark welfare scheme rooted in ground realities, while Fisheries and Livestock Development Minister Gokulanand Malik said the programme would trigger a social transformation by challenging age-old perceptions of daughters as financial liabilities.
Aska MP Anita Subhadarshini thanked the Chief Minister for the initiative and extended her best wishes to the newlyweds. Several legislators, including MLAs from Kavisuryanagar, Chhatrapur, Berhampur, Aska, Khallikote, Digapahandi, Sorada and others, joined the event, reflecting broad political support for women’s empowerment.
Principal Secretary, Women and Child Development Department Shubha Sarma delivered the welcome address, while Director Monisha Banerjee and Ganjam Collector V. Keerthi Vasan oversaw the smooth conduct of the programme.
Held at the historic Maa Tara Tarini temple—an enduring symbol of faith and cultural heritage—the launch added profound symbolic significance. As Odisha advances towards inclusive growth, the Mukhyamantri Kanya Vivah Yojana emerges as a beacon of hope, promising dignity, equality and a secure future for thousands of daughters and their families.
