Bhubaneswar, Jan 9: The Odisha government has completed arrangements to supply essential wedding items for beneficiaries of the Mukhya Mantri Kanya Vivah Yojana, with the state-run cooperative Utkalika playing a central role in the initiative.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Utkalika and the Women and Child Development Department in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, formally outlining the procurement and distribution process for the items.

Under the scheme, brides will receive a set of important ceremonial items, such as sarees, bangles, anklets, and bindis. Utkalika will handle the sourcing and distribution of these products to ensure uniformity and quality for all beneficiaries across the state.

Officials emphasized that involving Utkalika not only helps meet the requirements of the wedding assistance program but also serves to promote Odisha’s traditional handicrafts and handloom industries. The initiative is expected to create sustained demand for locally crafted products and offer livelihood support to artisans linked to the cooperative.

The Mukhya Mantri Kanya Vivah Yojana provides comprehensive financial assistance amounting to Rs 51,000 per beneficiary. This includes Rs 35,000 transferred directly to the beneficiary’s bank account seven days after marriage registration, Rs 10,000 for wedding gifts, and Rs 6,000 for wedding decorations.

Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida stated that the standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the scheme have been finalized and that marriage arrangements for registered beneficiaries are in place. “Once dates are finalized, the marriages will be conducted with the participation of society and various voluntary organizations, with district administrations overseeing the process,” she said.

The initiative aims to ease the financial burden on families while supporting Odisha's cultural heritage.