“The Mukhyamantri Samuhik Vivah Yojana in Uttar Pradesh now offers ₹1 lakh per bride to support economically weaker families, promoting social harmony and curbing extravagant weddings. Launched in 2017, the scheme has facilitated over 4 lakh marriages, providing financial aid for household essentials and wedding expenses, with eligibility open to all communities.”
Uttar Pradesh Boosts Mass Marriage Scheme with ₹1 Lakh Aid
Scheme Overview
The Mukhyamantri Samuhik Vivah Yojana, launched by the Uttar Pradesh government in October 2017, aims to support economically disadvantaged families by providing financial assistance for mass marriages. Initially offering ₹51,000 per couple, the scheme has recently doubled its aid to ₹1 lakh per bride, as announced by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in March 2025.
Financial Breakdown
Household Support: ₹35,000 is directly transferred to the bride’s bank account for setting up a household.
Wedding Essentials: ₹10,000 is allocated for apparel, ornaments, and utensils.
Ceremony Expenses: ₹6,000 is provided per marriage for organizational costs.
Increased Aid: The recent hike to ₹1 lakh per bride enhances support, with additional gifts like a ‘sindoor daani’ to uphold cultural traditions.
Eligibility Criteria
Residency: Applicants must be permanent residents of Uttar Pradesh.
Income Limit: Annual family income should not exceed ₹2,00,000.
Age Requirements: Brides must be at least 18 years old, grooms 21.
Community Inclusion: The scheme is open to all communities, with no caste restrictions.
Mass Wedding: A minimum of 10 couples must participate in the ceremony.
Application Process
Online Registration: Apply via the official portal at shadianudan.upsdc.gov.in.
Required Documents:
Recent photographs of the bride and groom.
Aadhaar or Voter ID cards.
Birth certificates for age proof.
Bride’s bank passbook.
Address and income certificates.
Caste certificate (if applicable for SC/ST/OBC).
Submission: Forms must be submitted to the Social Welfare Department at Gram Panchayat, Municipal Corporation, or District Headquarters.
Impact and Reach
Marriages Facilitated: Over 4 lakh daughters have been married under the scheme by March 2025, reflecting its widespread impact.
Social Harmony: The initiative promotes inter-community unity by conducting weddings per diverse rituals, reducing dowry and child marriage practices.
Women Empowerment: Direct financial aid to brides ensures economic support, fostering dignity and independence.
Recent Developments
Increased Funding: The state government’s decision to raise aid to ₹1 lakh reflects a commitment to poverty alleviation and inclusive development.
Symbolic Gifts: Brides now receive a ‘sindoor daani,’ symbolizing marital tradition, alongside financial aid.
Future Plans: Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced plans to provide scooties to academically gifted girls, further empowering women.
Challenges and Criticisms
Initial Skepticism: When launched, some criticized the scheme as undermining the dignity of the poor, though its success has silenced detractors.
Verification Delays: Application processing can take 4-8 weeks due to document verification, causing occasional delays.
Similar Schemes in Other States
Haryana’s Mukhya Mantri Vivah Shagun Yojna: Supports poor families, widows, and orphans with financial aid for weddings.
Madhya Pradesh’s Kanya Vivah Yojana: Offers assistance for mass marriages of destitute and poor girls since 2006.
Rajasthan’s Mukhyamantri Samuhik Vivah Evam Anudan Yojana: Provides ₹25,000 per couple to curb extravagant weddings and dowry.
Disclaimer: This article is based on information sourced from government websites, news reports, and official announcements. Readers are advised to verify eligibility and application details through official channels like shadianudan.upsdc.gov.in for accurate and updated information.