By Sunil Jena, Editor-in-Chief
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government is preparing to roll out a new welfare initiative called the Kanya Bibaha Yojana, aimed at supporting families during the marriage of their daughters. The scheme has already become a topic of public discussion, with supporters highlighting its social value and critics raising concerns about the state’s financial capacity to sustain such commitments.
Under the proposed plan, the government will provide both financial assistance and essential marriage-related items to eligible beneficiaries. An official memorandum of understanding has been signed between Utkalika and the Department of Women and Child Development to ensure the smooth supply of these items. Beneficiaries will receive useful materials such as sarees, bangles, anklets and other traditional accessories that are commonly part of wedding preparations.
According to the government, the scheme is not only meant to support families but also to promote Odisha’s handicrafts and handloom sector. By sourcing the gift items through Utkalika, the initiative aims to provide livelihood opportunities to local artisans and craftsmen, thereby creating a link between social welfare and economic development.
The MoU was signed in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, marking a formal step towards the implementation of the scheme. According to official details, each beneficiary under the Kanya Bibaha Yojana will receive a total assistance of Rs 51,000. Of this amount, Rs 35,000 will be transferred directly to the beneficiary’s bank account within seven days of marriage registration. Additionally, Rs 10,000 has been allocated for wedding gifts, and Rs 6,000 for basic decoration and ceremonial expenses.
While the scheme has been welcomed by many as a positive step towards easing the financial burden on families, it has also sparked debate over the government’s fiscal priorities. Critics argue that when the state is facing multiple developmental challenges, careful planning and transparency will be essential to ensure that such welfare measures remain sustainable in the long run.
Supporters, however, see the initiative as a move towards social inclusion and dignity for young women, especially from economically weaker sections. They believe that structured assistance at a crucial moment in life can make a meaningful difference and help families avoid falling into debt due to marriage-related expenses.
As Odisha prepares for the formal launch of the Kanya Bibaha Yojana, all eyes will be on how effectively the scheme is implemented and how the government balances welfare commitments with financial discipline. The coming months will reveal whether this initiative becomes a model of socially responsible governance or another policy that raises important questions about priorities and resources.
