In a major welfare boost, the Uttar Pradesh government has increased the financial assistance under the ‘Mukhyamantri Samuhik Vivah Yojana’ from ₹51,000 to ₹1 lakh, effective from April 2025. The announcement was made by UP Minister Asim Arun, who also revealed that beneficiaries would now receive a ‘Sindoor Dani’ as a symbolic gift — a tribute to the Indian Armed Forces’ Operation Sindoor, conducted in response to the Pahalgam terror attack.
“Financial assistance has been raised to ₹1 lakh, and now ‘Sindoor Daani’ will also be gifted as part of the scheme,” said Asim Arun, linking the gesture to national pride and sacrifice.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath personally attended a mass marriage ceremony in Gorakhpur, where he blessed over 1,200 newly-wedded couples under the scheme. He emphasized that these events celebrate equality, secular values, and empowerment, as the scheme welcomes participants without restrictions of caste, religion, or region.
“I can’t attend individual weddings, but I came here leaving all work in Lucknow to bless you all,” CM Yogi said, addressing the crowd. “These weddings involve no dowry, no child marriage, and support from the government regardless of background.”
CM Yogi highlighted the progress made since the scheme’s launch in 2017:
- Initially, the aid was ₹35,000
- Later increased to ₹51,000
- Now raised to ₹1 lakh (₹60,000 direct transfer + gifts like clothes and jewellery)
He contrasted the pre-2017 situation, where Dalit and tribal women received only ₹20,000, often delayed or denied, with the current streamlined and transparent implementation.
“This scheme is a symbol of a good government that ensures development, security, and dignity. Under PM Narendra Modi’s leadership, 25 crore people have been lifted out of poverty across India — 6 crore in Uttar Pradesh alone,” CM Yogi added.
The UP administration has committed to organizing such mass weddings wherever 10 or more couples register. The government bears the full cost of the event, helping economically weaker sections marry with dignity and social support.
This initiative continues to be a flagship example of how state-sponsored welfare schemes can promote social equity, cultural harmony, and women’s empowerment.