Bhubaneswar: In a significant move to support economically disadvantaged families, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has instructed officials to include widow remarriage under the Mukhya Mantri Kanya Bibaha Yojana, a newly launched government scheme aimed at providing financial assistance for marriages. 
Odisha CM Includes Widow Remarriage in Mukhya Mantri Kanya Bibaha Yojana | Rs 12 Crore Aid for Poor Families

The directive was issued during a review meeting held at Lok Seva Bhavan in Bhubaneswar on Wednesday.  
The Mukhya Mantri Kanya Bibaha Yojana is designed to ease the financial burden on poor families by offering marriage assistance. The state government has allocated Rs 12 crore for the scheme in the 2025-26 budget. Under this initiative, eligible families will receive financial support to help cover wedding expenses. The Chief Minister also suggested organizing community-level marriages and providing government-sponsored gifts to beneficiaries to further reduce costs.  

Expanding Support for Marginalized Groups

The scheme complements other existing marriage assistance programs in the state, including those for differently-abled individuals, inter-caste couples, and construction workers. By including widow remarriage, the government aims to promote social inclusion and reduce the stigma often associated with widows remarrying. The Women and Child Development Department has been directed to expedite the implementation process to ensure that beneficiaries can access the scheme as soon as possible.  
Odisha CM Includes Widow Remarriage in Mukhya Mantri Kanya Bibaha Yojana | Rs 12 Crore Aid for Poor Families


Promoting Education in Indigenous Languages  

In addition to reviewing the marriage assistance scheme, Chief Minister Majhi also assessed the progress of the ‘Ame Padhiba Ama Bhashare’ (We Will Read in Our Language) program. This innovative education initiative focuses on mother tongue-based learning in anganwadi centers (early childhood care centers) across the state. Currently, the program is being implemented in 10,629 anganwadi centers spread across 15 districts.  
Odisha is the first state in India to introduce such a program in anganwadi centers, offering primary education in 17 indigenous languages. The initiative aims to improve literacy rates and ensure that children from tribal and rural communities receive education in their native languages, making learning more accessible and effective. 

Government’s Commitment to Welfare and Development  

The review meeting was attended by senior officials, including Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja and Development Commissioner Anu Garg. The discussions highlighted the government’s commitment to social welfare and inclusive development. 
Odisha CM Includes Widow Remarriage in Mukhya Mantri Kanya Bibaha Yojana | Rs 12 Crore Aid for Poor Families

By expanding marriage assistance schemes and promoting education in regional languages, the state aims to uplift marginalized communities and ensure equal opportunities for all.  
The inclusion of widow remarriage in the Mukhya Mantri Kanya Bibaha Yojana is expected to have a positive impact on women’s empowerment, encouraging social acceptance and financial independence for widows. Meanwhile, the ‘Ame Padhiba Ama Bhashare’ program reflects the government’s dedication to preserving linguistic diversity while improving educational outcomes for young children.  
These initiatives demonstrate Odisha’s progressive approach to governance, focusing on both immediate financial support and long-term educational reforms. As the schemes move forward, they are expected to bring meaningful change to thousands of families across the state.