Mukhyamantri Kanya Vivah Yojana: A World Record of Social Harmony
Team News Riveting
Raipur, February 10
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai described Mukhyamantri Kanya Vivah Yojana as a historic initiative that embodies the spirit of social harmony, Antyodaya, and sensitive governance in Chhattisgarh.
He said that there was a time when the marriage of a daughter was a major cause of anxiety for poor families, but Mukhyamantri Kanya Vivah Yojana has emerged as a practical and dignified solution to their concerns. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai expressed these views while addressing a state-level mass marriage ceremony held at Science College Ground in the state capital, Raipur.
In the presence of Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, a total of 6,412 couples from across the state, including Raipur district, entered married life in accordance with their respective religious traditions and customs. At the Science College Ground, Sai blessed 1,316 newly-wed couples in person, while couples from other districts joined the programme through virtual mode. Under the scheme, each newly married couple was provided financial aid of Rs 35,000. It is noteworthy that this unprecedented event has been recorded in the Golden Book of World Records.
The Chief Minister said that the programme was not merely a marriage ceremony, but a celebration of interfaith harmony and social unity. Couples belonging to Hindu, Muslim, Christian, Buddhist communities, as well as the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group Baiga, solemnised their marriages according to their respective customs, reflecting Chhattisgarh’s rich cultural diversity and deep-rooted social cohesion.
On the occasion, Sai also formally launched “Kuposhan Mukt Chhattisgarh Abhiyan” i.e. Malnutrition-Free Chhattisgarh Campaign. He informed that, as a pilot project, the campaign has been initiated in eight districts of Surguja and Bastar divisions. Emphasising on the importance of community participation in development of a healthy and well-nourished Chhattisgarh, Sai announced that upon the success of the pilot project, this campaign would be expanded across the state.
The Chief Minister further said that with the blessings of the people, Chhattisgarh is moving rapidly on the path of development. He noted that within just two years, the government has fulfilled most of the promises made under Prime Minister Modi’s Guarantee. Under Mahtari Vandan Yojana, more than 70 lakh women are being provided monthly aid of Rs 1,000. He also referred to several welfare initiatives, including the increase in the standard bag price for tendupatta collectors, the revival of Charan Paduka Yojana, Shri Ramlala Darshan Yojana, and financial assistance for landless labourers.
Minister for Women and Child Development Smt Laxmi Rajwade said that Mukhyamantri Kanya Vivah Yojana was originally launched under the leadership of former Chief Minister Dr Raman Singh, and it is now being carried forward by Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai.
Skill Development Minister Guru Khushwant Saheb termed the occasion as historic, stating that the marriage of thousands of couples in a single day stands as a testament to the Chief Minister’s sensitivity and inclusive vision.
The programme was attended by MLAs Sunil Soni, Shri Purandar Mishra, Anuj Sharma, Motilal Sahu and Sampat Agrawal; Chairman of Chhattisgarh State Seed Corporation Chandrahas Chandrakar; Chairperson of Child Protection Commission Dr Varnika Sharma; Secretary, Women and Child Development Department, Smt Shammi Abidi; Director Dr Renuka Shrivastava; along with several public representatives, officers and staff, who marked the occasion with their dignified presence.
