Empowering daughters, uplifting lives
Under the leadership of Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, the state government continues to launch and implement inclusive and people-centric welfare schemes aimed at transforming the lives of its citizens. Among these impactful initiatives, the Mukhyamantri Kanyadaan Yojana has emerged as a beacon of hope for economically disadvantaged families, particularly in supporting the dignified marriages of their daughters.
The scheme provides financial assistance of Rs 51,000 to eligible families for the marriage of their daughters, offering both relief and reassurance to those struggling to gather resources for such significant life events. This noble initiative reflects the government’s deep commitment to social equity, women’s empowerment and strengthening the foundational units of society.
A heartwarming example of this initiative’s success comes from Paonta Sahib, where a beneficiary, Jeeto Devi, shared her story with gratitude and pride. A resident of Bhatanwali and a widow for over 30 years, Jeeto Devi has single-handedly raised four daughters and one son with limited means, relying solely on a small piece of farmland to sustain her family. As her daughters came of age, concerns about arranging their marriages grew, given the family’s financial hardships.
Despite her best efforts, Jeeto Devi found it nearly impossible to gather the necessary funds for the weddings. It was during this challenging time that she learned about the Mukhyamantri Kanyadaan Yojana through the Department of Women and Child Development. Without delay, she visited the office of the Child Development Project Officer (CDPO) in Paonta Sahib to seek detailed information and assistance.
With the support of local officials, she submitted an application for financial assistance under the scheme, attaching all necessary documents for two of her daughters. Her application was verified and approved, and soon she received Rs 51,000 for each daughter directly into her bank account.
Jeeto Devi expressed immense relief and happiness that the assistance provided by the government enabled her to solemnise her daughters’ weddings without financial strain. The ceremonies were conducted with joy and dignity, reaffirming her faith in the state’s commitment to uplift the underprivileged.
“I extend my heartfelt thanks to Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and the Women and Child Development Department for supporting my family in our time of need. Because of the Mukhyamantri Kanyadaan Yojana, my daughters’ weddings were not just possible, but memorable,” she said, her eyes welling up with emotion.
Speaking about the scheme, CDPO Geeta Singta said the Mukhyamantri Kanyadaan Yojana is designed to provide marriage assistance to families with an annual income of up to Rs 50,000. It also covers daughters of widows, orphaned girls and those residing in state-run care homes such as Nari Seva Sadan.
Eligible families can apply through the CDPO office or via Anganwadi workers and supervisors using a prescribed application form. Once the submitted application is verified, the financial grant is directly transferred to the applicant’s bank account, ensuring transparency and ease of access.
The scheme is not just financial assistance — it is a compassionate initiative that affirms the state’s responsibility towards its citizens. It reflects the humane face of governance, where no daughter’s dream of a joyful wedding remains unfulfilled due to poverty.
Through the Mukhyamantri Kanyadaan Yojana, the Himachal Pradesh government continues to bridge social disparities, instill dignity and sow seeds of empowerment across its rural and urban landscapes—one family, one daughter and one wedding at a time.
Himachal Tribune