The Odisha government has announced the Mukhyamantri Kanya Bibaha Yojana, a new welfare initiative designed to provide financial assistance to economically weaker families for conducting dignified and culturally respectful marriages. Under this scheme, eligible brides will receive a total support amount of Rs 51,000, aimed at reducing the financial burden on low-income households and ensuring smooth marriage ceremonies.

Out of the total assistance, Rs 35,000 will be transferred directly to the bride’s bank account through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). In addition, the scheme provides a wedding gift kit worth Rs 10,000 that includes essential items such as a saree, bangles, anklets, and rings. Another Rs 6,000 is allotted for organising the marriage event, ensuring that the ceremony can be conducted with dignity and compliance with legal and cultural norms.

To qualify for the Mukhyamantri Kanya Bibaha Yojana, both bride and groom must be permanent residents of Odisha. The bride should be 18 to 35 years old, while the groom must be 21 to 35 years old. The scheme supports first-time marriages but also includes special provisions for widow remarriage, making it inclusive for socially vulnerable individuals. Only one eligible woman per family can receive benefits, and neither family should have availed similar marriage assistance from any State or Central scheme.

Priority will be given to widows seeking remarriage, persons with disabilities, Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs), Scheduled Tribes, Scheduled Castes, and applicants from low-income backgrounds. Other applicants will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis depending on district budget availability.

Eligible couples must submit physical applications to the designated district-level Implementing Agencies. These agencies will verify documents, assess eligibility, and forward approved cases to the District Level Committee for final sanction.

The Mukhyamantri Kanya Bibaha Yojana will be implemented across all districts of Odisha and will remain operational from 2025–2026 to 2029–2030, benefiting thousands of families seeking financial support for marriage ceremonies.