Bhubaneswar: In a major boost to women’s dignity and social reform, the Odisha government has officially notified the Mukhyamantri Kanya Bibaha Yojana, offering a comprehensive Rs 51,000 assistance package to economically weaker brides across the State.
Under the scheme, every eligible bride will receive Rs 35,000 directly transferred to her bank account, Rs 10,000 worth of wedding kit (clothes, utensils, and essentials) and Rs 6,000 for community-level marriage ceremony arrangements.
The scheme, effective from 2025-26 until 2029-30, marks a significant expansion of earlier marriage assistance programmes. Following directions from Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi in May 2025, widow remarriage has been explicitly included – a progressive step applauded by women’s rights activists.
Brides aged 18–35 years, grooms aged 21–35 years, families belonging to Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs), ST/SC communities, widows, persons with disabilities and persons with annual income below the poverty line are eligible for the scheme.
While one-time benefit is available per family, there will be no overlap with other marriage assistance schemes. Strict verification will be done through district-level SUBHADRA committees.
The primary objectives are to eradicate dowry practices, prevent child and forced marriages, and ensure every girl from a humble background can have a culturally dignified wedding without burdening her family. The scheme will be implemented through the existing SUBHADRA framework, ensuring transparency and last-mile delivery. Applications will open in January 2026.
With this initiative, Odisha joins the list of progressive states taking concrete steps to reform age-old marriage practices while protecting the most vulnerable sections of society.