In an odd turn of events, a woman who was already married conducted wedding ceremonies with her own brother to avail of the benefits and gifts offered under the marriage scheme that is Mukhyamantri Samoohik Vivah Yojna in Uttar Pradesh. This peculiar incident occurred in the Lakshmipur block of Maharajganj during a mass wedding ceremony where 38 pairs got married in front of high-ranking district officials.

According to the report, middlemen persuaded the married woman and her brother to participate as a couple in the wedding ceremony. On the wedding day, the woman put a garland around her brother's neck and performed other traditional rituals, including circling the sacred fire seven times to formalize the wedding. The pair also accepted gifts from the authorities to celebrate the occasion.

Amit Mishra, the Block Development Officer (BDO) of the Lakshmipur block, stated that an inquiry has been initiated into the incident. He promised severe punishment for those found guilty and mentioned that the cash aid provided under the scheme would not be given to the couple. He also added that the gifts given to the couple have been retrieved.

marriage scheme
Image : ETV Bharat

Mukhyamantri Samoohik Vivah Yojna

The Mukhyamantri Samoohik Vivah Yojna in Uttar Pradesh is a scheme designed to assist the economically disadvantaged sections of society. The state government organizes the wedding ceremonies of women from these families as part of a program. The weddings are conducted according to the social/religious beliefs, customs, and traditions of the woman, and financial aid is also provided.

Under this scheme, the Uttar Pradesh government spends ₹51,000 per couple. The bride receives ₹35,000, which is transferred to her bank account for her to use in her married life and to set up her household. The remaining amount is used to organize the wedding program and provide gifts.

The scheme has been in the news due to instances of fraudulent activities. Recently, brides in Uttar Pradesh's Ballia district allegedly garlanded themselves at a mass wedding event under the scheme. Videos supposedly showing the incident have been widely shared on social media.

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