Bhubaneswar, February 24, 2025 – In a significant move aimed at supporting economically weaker families, the Odisha government has announced the launch of the Mukhya Mantri Kanya Bibaha Yojana. This initiative, introduced by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, is designed to facilitate the marriage of poor girls and provide them with essential gifts.
Under this scheme, the state government will conduct mass marriages for financially struggling families, ensuring that traditions are upheld without imposing a financial burden. A budget allocation of ₹12 crore has been sanctioned for this purpose as part of the Odisha State Budget 2025-26, presented on February 17.
Empowering Daughters with Dignity
Highlighting the importance of the scheme, CM Majhi stated, “A girl child is a blessing, not a burden. We must honor and empower them to fulfill their dreams. Weddings, deeply rooted in Odia traditions, have become increasingly expensive, making it difficult for poor families to arrange their daughters’ marriages with dignity. Through this initiative, the government will take full responsibility for the wedding expenses, including gifts for the brides.”
The Mukhya Mantri Kanya Bibaha Yojana aligns with the Odisha government’s broader efforts to enhance social welfare programs, particularly those benefiting women and girls from underprivileged backgrounds.
Expansion of the Subhadra Yojana
Alongside this initiative, the Chief Minister also announced an expansion of the Subhadra Yojana, renaming it as Subhadra Plus to offer comprehensive welfare support for women and girl children. The newly introduced Subhadra Plus scheme includes the following nine initiatives:
1. Kishori Subhadra – Focused on adolescent girls’ health and well-being.
2. Subhadra Sancharika – A program to improve women’s mobility and access to transport.
3. Subhadra Surakshya – Safety and security measures for women.
4. Subhadra Sakhi, Subhadra Yatri – Travel and safety benefits for women travelers.
5. Subhadra Sangh (Subhadra Club) – Community engagement and empowerment.
6. Kuha Subhadra (Call Centre) – A helpline for women-related concerns.
7. Subhadra Sahyogi – Support system for women in need.
8. Subhadra Scholars – Scholarships for girls’ education.
9. Sugyoya Subhadra – Nutritional support for women and children.
A Step Towards Women’s Welfare
The Mukhya Mantri Kanya Bibaha Yojana and Subhadra Plus scheme highlight the Odisha government’s commitment to empowering women and ensuring their social and economic well-being. By addressing financial constraints associated with marriage and offering extensive welfare support, these initiatives aim to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for women across the state.
This progressive step by the Odisha government is expected to bring relief to many underprivileged families and reinforce the message that every girl deserves a dignified and celebrated marriage.
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