Odisha government has introduced the MukhyaMantri Kanya Bibaha Yojana (MKBY) to provide financial assistance for the marriage of economically weaker girls in the state. The scheme, announced by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi in the Odisha State Budget 2025-26, aims to support underprivileged families by covering wedding expenses and offering essential gifts for brides. A budget of ₹12 crore has been allocated for the scheme, ensuring that poor families can marry off their daughters with dignity.
This initiative not only helps families financially but also aims to curb child marriage, promote gender equality, and encourage education for girls. Here’s everything you need to know about the MukhyaMantri Kanya Bibaha Yojana, its benefits, eligibility, and application process.
Highlights of MukhyaMantri Kanya Bibaha Yojana
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | MukhyaMantri Kanya Bibaha Yojana (MKBY) |
| State | Odisha |
| Announced By | CM Mohan Charan Majhi |
| Budget Allocation | ₹12 crore |
| Financial Assistance | ₹25,000 per beneficiary |
| Target Group | Girls from Below Poverty Line (BPL) families |
| Minimum Age | 18 years for bride, 21 years for groom |
| Marriage Type | Mass Marriages Organized by Government |
| Implementation | Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to bride’s bank account |
| Objective | To reduce financial burden, prevent child marriage, and promote girls’ education |
Objectives of the Scheme
MukhyaMantri Kanya Bibaha Yojana is designed to support poor families financially while ensuring the well-being of girls in Odisha. The main goals of the scheme include:
- Reducing financial burden: Helping families meet wedding expenses without falling into debt.
- Preventing child marriage: Ensuring marriages happen only after the legal age of 18.
- Promoting gender equality: Reinforcing the value of girls in society.
- Encouraging education: Linking financial assistance to educational milestones.
Also Read: Gopabandhu Jan Arogya Yojana
Eligibility Criteria for MukhyaMantri Kanya Bibaha Yojana
To avail benefits under the scheme, applicants must fulfill the following conditions:
- The bride must be a permanent resident of Odisha.
- The family must belong to the Below Poverty Line (BPL) category.
- The bride must be at least 18 years old, and the groom must be at least 21 years old at the time of marriage.
- The scheme applies only to the first marriage of the girl.
- The marriage must be legally registered under Odisha Marriage Registration Rules.
Financial Assistance and Benefits
- A one-time grant of ₹25,000 will be provided to eligible families for the marriage of their daughters.
- The amount will be transferred directly to the bride’s bank account via the Aadhaar-linked Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system.
- Families may also receive subsidized wedding essentials such as sarees, utensils, and household items as part of the scheme.
- The financial aid can be used for wedding expenses, higher education, or setting up a small business for the bride.
How to Apply for MukhyaMantri Kanya Bibaha Yojana?
The application process for the MukhyaMantri Kanya Bibaha Yojana is simple and transparent. Follow these steps to apply:
Step 1: Document Submission
Eligible families must submit the required documents at their nearest Block Development Office (BDO) or Anganwadi center.
Required Documents:
- BPL Ration Card
- Bride’s Age Proof (Birth Certificate or Aadhaar Card)
- Residence Certificate
- Bank Account Details
- Marriage Registration Certificate
Step 2: Verification Process
- The concerned authorities will verify the eligibility and authenticity of the marriage.
- Once verification is complete, the financial assistance will be approved.
Step 3: Fund Disbursement
- The ₹25,000 grant will be transferred directly to the bride’s bank account.
- The entire process will be monitored digitally to ensure transparency and prevent fraud.
Also Read: Subhadra Yojana List PDF
Impact & Significance of MukhyaMantri Kanya Bibaha Yojana
1. Reducing Child Marriage
According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), 20.5% of marriages in Odisha involve underage brides. This scheme ensures that marriages occur only after the legal age of 18, reducing early marriages.
2. Financial Security for Families
Many poor families take loans or fall into debt for wedding expenses. The MKBY scheme provides direct financial support, reducing financial stress.
3. Social & Gender Equality
By promoting the value of the girl child, the scheme works towards removing patriarchal mindsets and ensuring equal opportunities for girls.
4. Linking with Education & Employment
Unlike other marriage assistance programs, this scheme encourages education and skill development, ensuring long-term empowerment for girls.
Challenges & The Road Ahead
While the MukhyaMantri Kanya Bibaha Yojana is a progressive initiative, its success depends on:
- Spreading awareness in rural areas to ensure maximum participation.
- Preventing misuse of funds through strict monitoring.
- Post-marriage support such as vocational training and financial planning guidance for the brides.
Government’s Stand on the Scheme
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi emphasized:
“A girl child is a blessing, not a burden. With this scheme, we aim to support families, prevent child marriage, and empower daughters of Odisha. The government will bear all wedding expenses and ensure a bright future for these girls.”
MukhyaMantri Kanya Bibaha Yojana is not just about financial aid; it is a transformative step towards gender equality and social upliftment. By providing ₹25,000 assistance, discouraging child marriages, and promoting education, Odisha sets an example for other states to follow.
Families eligible for the scheme are encouraged to apply at their nearest BDO or Anganwadi centers.