Prayagraj dist to host mass weddings for 2,484 couples under Mukhyamantri Samuhik Vivah Yojana

Prayagraj: The district authorities in Prayagraj have set an ambitious target of organising mass weddings for 2,484 couples under the Mukhyamantri Samuhik Vivah Yojana for the financial year 2025-26.

Social welfare officer Pragya Pandey confirmed that the department has set a target of 2,484 marriages for the current financial year. So far, 513 couples have already benefited from the scheme. Preparations for the upcoming mass wedding ceremony, organised by the Prayagraj Municipal Corporation, are in full swing.

According to officials, the number of beneficiaries in th Sangam City has been increasing annually, with plans underway to hold mass weddings this month.

In the previous financial year, the district had set a target of 2,484 marriages ,but managed to complete 1,341 due to the Maha Kumbh Mela. In 2023-2024, the target was 2,734 marriages, with 1,898 couples benefiting. The scheme has shown significant progress since 2022-23, when 2,406 girls were married out of a target of 2,734.

The state govt has expanded the scheme's scope by increasing the grant amount and income limit for eligible families. From the new financial year, eligible couples will receive Rs 1 lakh, up from Rs 51,000. The amount will be distributed as follows: Rs 60,000 will be deposited into the bride's bank account, Rs 25,000 worth of gifts will be given to the couple, and Rs 15,000 will be spent on the marriage ceremony. The annual income limit for eligibility has also been proposed to increase from Rs 2 lakh to Rs 3 lakh.