Residents of Uttar Pradesh facing challenges in marriage due to their economically weaker status have reason to celebrate. The state government has revamped the Chief Minister's Collective Marriage Scheme to make it more transparent, effective, and beneficial for the public. This year, the government aims to facilitate the marriages of over one lakh couples under this initiative, employing strict oversight and a comprehensive strategy to reach the beneficiaries effectively.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has announced a doubling of the financial assistance provided under this scheme, which will now allocate one lakh rupees per couple starting from the fiscal year 2025-26. He emphasized that this initiative transcends mere marriage ceremonies, representing a significant step towards social dignity, transparency, and empowerment for those in need.

According to Asim Arun, the Minister of State for Social Welfare, the scheme is being made more accessible and transparent through technological means to ensure that the actual beneficiaries can reap its benefits. All stages, from the application process to material supply, will be monitored digitally. Special arrangements have been made to ensure the quality and distribution of gifts, with firms now being selected at the directorate level to eliminate any potential discrepancies.

To maintain transparency and accountability in collective marriage events, the government has decided to deploy observers in various districts. A social welfare officer from one district will be assigned to another as an observer. The presence of the regional deputy director and district social welfare officer will be mandatory at marriage ceremonies, ensuring direct reporting to the directorate or regional deputy director to prevent any irregularities. Additionally, biometric attendance of both bride and groom will be required at the venue to combat fraud.

Officials at the government level have been instructed to promptly prepare a list of eligible beneficiaries and run dedicated campaigns to ensure that every deserving individual can benefit from the scheme. It has been emphasized that applications must be thoroughly examined in a transparent manner across all districts, with local bodies, village councils, and anganwadi centers assisting in identifying eligible couples.

R.P. Singh, the deputy director in charge of the scheme, stated that the social welfare department has set a target of facilitating collective marriages for approximately one lakh couples this year. This initiative not only serves as social support but also aims to foster collective cooperation, community spirit, and respect for women.