Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi Includes Widowed Girls in Mukhyamantri Kanya Vivah Yojana

Bhubaneswar, May 21 — Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Wednesday directed officials to expand the Mukhyamantri Kanya Vivah Yojana by including widowed girls, aiming to provide financial support to poor and vulnerable families for the marriage of their daughters.

Chairing a high-level meeting, CM Majhi emphasized that the scheme would significantly ease the financial burden on underprivileged parents, offering much-needed assistance to helpless families. The initiative seeks to support marriages by organizing collective weddings and providing government-sponsored wedding gifts.

Previously, Odisha extended assistance primarily for inter-caste marriages through the Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities Department and the Scheduled Tribes and Scheduled Castes Development Department. Now, under the Chief Minister’s guidance, the scheme will be broadened to include widowed girls, reflecting a more inclusive approach.

Majhi instructed concerned departments to expedite all formalities and launch the scheme promptly. An allocation of Rs 12 crore has already been earmarked for this financial year to ensure smooth implementation.

The meeting saw the presence of Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, Development Commissioner Anu Garg, and senior officials from the Women and Child Development Department, Finance Department, Scheduled Tribes and Scheduled Castes Development Department, and the School and Mass Education Department.

This initiative marks a significant step towards supporting marginalized sections of society and promoting social welfare through collective and government-backed marriage assistance.