Bhubaneswar, January 8: The Odisha Women and Child Development (WCD) Department has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Utkalika, the Odisha State Co-operative Handicraft Corporation Ltd., for supplying marriage gifts under the Mukhyamantri Kanya Bibaha Yojana. The MoU was formalized in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida.

The Kanya Bibaha Yojana, a key initiative by the Odisha government, offers financial assistance of Rs 51,000 to brides from economically weaker sections ( EWS). This includes Rs 35,000 through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), Rs 6,000 for marriage expenses, and Rs 10,000 worth of gifts. These gifts will consist of traditional items like sarees, bangles, anklets, and household items such as utensils and cushions.

Parida emphasized that this collaboration not only ensures the timely delivery of benefits but also promotes Odisha's handloom and handicraft sectors. The initiative will also feature mass marriage ceremonies, with the Chief Minister attending to bless the couples.