CM Majhi launches ‘Mukhyamantri Kanya Bibaha Yojana’ from Maa Tara Tarini shrine; 201 couples solemnise marriage in historic collective ceremony

 

THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

BHUBANESWAR, FEBRUARY 3, 2026

Asserting that true development is measured by the dignity, safety and empowerment of women, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Tuesday launched the ambitious Mukhyamantri Kanya Bibaha Yojana from the sacred shrine of Maa Tara Tarini at Purushottampur in ganjam district, saying that daughters are not a burden on their parents but a divine blessing.

The launch of the scheme was marked by the grand collective marriage of 201 couples, symbolising the Odisha Government’s resolve to support economically weaker families and eliminate social barriers that force premature or financially stressful marriages.

Speaking at the inauguration, the Chief Minister said the Mukhyamantri Kanya Bibaha Yojana is not a routine welfare programme but a visionary and innovative initiative aimed at strengthening social security and women’s dignity. He said the government’s goal is to build an Odisha where no daughter is compelled to marry before attaining the legal age due to financial hardship or societal pressure.

The Chief Minister personally attended the ceremony and performed the role of Karta at the marriage mandap, offering oblations into the sacred fire and blessing the newly-wedded couples. His presence, he said, reflected the government’s responsibility towards daughters and families at the grassroots.

Explaining the scheme’s features, the Chief Minister said eligible brides will receive financial assistance of ₹60,000, of which ₹45,000 will be directly transferred to the bride’s bank account, while ₹15,000 will be utilised to meet marriage-related expenses. To ensure transparency and inclusion, beneficiaries have been selected at the district and block levels.

Under the scheme, the bride must be between 18 and 35 years of age and the groom between 21 and 35 years, and both must be permanent residents of Odisha. The initiative aims to promote lawful marriages while discouraging child marriage.

Addressing the gathering at the renowned Adi Shakti Peetha of Maa Tara Tarini, the Chief Minister said the scheme will significantly reduce the financial burden of marriage on families from economically weaker sections. He added that it will promote women’s dignity and social security, encourage widow remarriage, and play a crucial role in curbing the social evil of dowry.

Highlighting the broader vision of development, Majhi said that progress is not defined merely by tall buildings, roads or industries, but by the safety of mothers and sisters, access to education for every girl, and a future where every family lives with dignity and self-respect. He said schemes such as Subhadra Yojana and Mukhyamantri Kanya Bibaha Yojana will comprehensively empower women and ensure their security and self-esteem.

The Chief Minister further announced that the scheme will be implemented across all districts of Odisha from 2025–26 to 2029–30, with a budgetary provision exceeding ₹59 crore, underscoring the government’s long-term commitment to women-centric development.

Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida congratulated the newly-wedded couples and described the scheme as a heartfelt initiative conceptualised by the Chief Minister. Recalling the government’s assurance to stand with Subhadra Maa, she said the responsibility of supporting daughters’ marriages is a natural extension of that promise. Invoking the blessings of Maa Tara Tarini, she wished the couples a happy and prosperous married life.

Commerce, Transport, Mines and Steel Minister Bibhuti Bhusan Jena termed the scheme a landmark welfare initiative that reflects the Chief Minister’s deep understanding of grassroots social challenges. He expressed gratitude for launching the programme from Ganjam district, calling it a proud moment for the region.

Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Minister Gokulananda Mallik said the Odisha Government has never compromised on respecting women and asserted that the new scheme will usher in a social transformation by changing the mindset that views daughters as a burden.

Aska Member of Parliament Anita Subhadarshini thanked the Chief Minister for introducing the welfare scheme and extended her best wishes to the newly-married couples for a joyful and harmonious life.

Several legislators including Pratap Chandra Nayak (Kabisuryanagar), Shri Krushna Chandra Nayak (Chhatrapur), K. Anil Kumar (Berhampur), Saroj Kumar Padhi (Aska), Purnachandra Sethi (Khalikote), Siddhanta Mahapatra (Digapahandi), Nilamani Bisoyi (Soroda) and Manoranjan Dyan Samantara (Chikiti) were present on the occasion and blessed the couples.

Principal Secretary of the Women and Child Development Department, Shubha Sharma, welcomed the dignitaries and guests. The programme was coordinated by Departmental Director Manisha Banerjee and Ganjam District Collector V. Keerthi Vasan.