Bhubaneswar: In a move that combines social welfare with the promotion of local livelihoods, the Odisha government’s Women and Child Development Department has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Utkalika, the state’s apex handicraft and handloom marketing corporation, for the supply of marriage gift items under the Mukhyamantri Kanya Bibaha Yojana.
Under the flagship scheme, eligible brides from economically weaker sections are provided financial assistance of ₹51,000 to support marriage-related expenses. Of this amount, ₹10,000 is earmarked for essential gift items, including sarees, bangles, household utensils and other necessities. These items will now be sourced through Utkalika, ensuring quality, standardisation and timely delivery to beneficiaries.
Officials said the partnership will help streamline the implementation of the scheme while also giving a significant boost to Odisha’s handloom and handicraft sectors. By routing procurement through Utkalika, the government aims to generate sustained demand for locally produced goods and provide livelihood support to traditional artisans and weavers across the state.
The Women and Child Development Department noted that the collaboration reflects a dual objective: ensuring dignity and timely benefits for beneficiaries under the Kanya Bibaha Yojana, and strengthening the rural and artisanal economy through government-backed procurement.
The initiative is expected to enhance the efficiency of the scheme’s rollout while reinforcing the state’s broader commitment to inclusive growth and the promotion of Odisha’s rich craft heritage.
-OdishaAge
