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After launching the Subhadra scheme that covers over 1 crore women two years ago, the BJP government in Odisha has approved another women-centric scheme. Called the Mukhyamantri Kanya Bibaha Yojana (MKBY), it will provide marriage assistance of Rs 51,000 to women belonging to economically weaker sections.
While the state government claims the scheme has been launched to reduce household expenses and uphold dignity, legality and simplicity in matrimonial practices, sources said the new initiative will also help the ruling BJP cut into the Biju Janata Dal’s (BJD) women support base and consolidate its position among them.
Rural women in Odisha, especially the 70 lakh members of 6 lakh women’s self-help groups (WSHGs) organised under Mission Shakti, were considered a loyal support base of the BJD that remained in power in the state for 24 years.
The BJP managed to breach this stronghold with the promise of the Subhadra scheme — Rs 50,000 over a period of five years to women aged between 21 and 60. Tasting victory for the first time in the state when it swept the 2024 Assembly polls, the party left no stone unturned to launch the scheme on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday in September 2024.
“Subhadra covers more than 1 crore women; we are also making efforts to ensure that no eligible beneficiaries are deprived of its benefits. The scheme gained a lot of traction on the ground among the women,” said a senior government official.
“Similarly, the marriage assistance scheme will not just be popular among women but also a big help for economically disadvantaged families,” said the official.
As per the guidelines of the MKBY, the scheme aims to promote widow remarriage by providing support for their weddings, while simultaneously discouraging early marriages by covering only those girls who have attained 18 years of age or above.
The scheme encourages registration of marriages, enhances awareness about women’s legal rights within marriage, and reinforces the significance of dowry prohibition. “These measures intend to foster a culture of responsible, lawful, and dignified matrimonial practices,” read the guidelines.
Out of the total financial assistance of Rs 51,000, as per the guidelines, Rs 35,000 will be provided as direct financial assistance to the beneficiary through direct benefit transfer (DBT).
Beneficiaries will also receive wedding gifts worth Rs 10,000 including a bridal saree and other accessories such as bindi, bangles, a pair of traditional anklets, a pair of toe rings and utensils. The remaining Rs 6,000 will be spent on logistics support for the marriage to be conducted by NGOs and other agencies.
In the next five years, the state government plans to spend around Rs 60 crore under the scheme from the state budget.
Earlier several states, including Delhi, Tamil Nadu, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh and Punjab among others, announced cash schemes for women.
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