MukhyamantriSamuhikVivah Yojana (also known as the Mass Marriage Scheme) is a flagship social welfare programme of the Uttar Pradesh government. Launched to promote simple, dowry-free, and dignified marriages, the scheme organises collective wedding ceremonies for eligible couples from economically weaker sections.Since taking over the reigns of Chief Minister, Yogi Adityanath has transformed the lives of ordinary people through various schemes that have targeted upliftment through social welfare. Prior to 2017, the governments did not take interest in marriage schemes and since then there has been a dedicated evolution for economically weaker sections. Implemented by the Social Welfare Department, it aims to reduce the financial burden of weddings on poor families while encouraging social harmony across castes and communities. Mass events are regularly held at district and divisional levels with active participation of government officials.The primary objective of the scheme is to provide financial assistance and household items so that daughters of poor families can get married without debt or extravagant spending. It strongly discourages dowry and child marriage while promoting inter-community harmony.From financial year 2025–26, the assistance has been significantly enhanced to Rs1 lakh per couple (Rs60,000 direct bank transfer to the bride’s account + Rs25,000 worth of household goods + Rs15,000 for ceremony expenses). The annual family income eligibility limit has also been raised to Rs3 lakh to cover more families. Salient Features of The Scheme1. Eligibility Criteria •Bride must be at least 18 years and groom at least 21 years old on the date of marriage. •Both must be permanent residents of Uttar Pradesh. •Family annual income should not exceed Rs3 lakh (enhanced from FY 2025-26). •Open to all categories — SC, ST, OBC, Minority, and General. •One family can avail benefit for a maximum of two daughters.2. Targets and Objectives of the Scheme •To promote dowry-free, simple, and dignified mass marriages among economically weaker sections. •Reduce financial burden on poor families and prevent debt due to extravagant weddings. •Encourage social harmony by organising collective ceremonies across castes and communities. •Eradicate child marriage and promote legal age marriages. •Support girls from underprivileged backgrounds to start married life with dignity and basic household items.3. Financial Assistance and Benefits •Enhanced to Rs1. 01 lakh per couple (from FY 2025-26). •Rs60,000 direct bank transfer to the bride’s account. •Rs25,000 worth of household goods (utensils, bedding, etc.). •Rs15,000–16,000 for ceremony expenses organised in mass events. •Additional support like photography, pandal, and basic arrangements at government-organised events.4. How to Apply – Step by Step •Visit the official portal: shadianudan. upsdc. gov. in/. •Register using Aadhaar number and fill the online application form. •Upload required documents and submit the form 90 days before or after the marriage date. •Alternatively, apply offline at the District Social Welfare Office (DSWO) or Block Development Office. •After verification, couples are invited to participate in organised mass marriage events.5. Required Documents •Aadhaar Card of bride, groom, and parent/guardian. •Residence/Domicile Certificate of Uttar Pradesh. •Income Certificate (issued by competent authority). •Age proof (Birth Certificate, School Marksheet, or Affidavit). •Bank account details of the bride (for DBT), passport-size photos, and caste certificate (if applicable).Two Major Achievements of MukhyamantriSamuhikVivah Yojana:1. Massive Scale of Beneficiaries •Since its launch in 2017, the scheme has facilitated the marriages of over 5.54 lakh couples (approximately 554,202 daughters) from economically weaker sections across Uttar Pradesh. •In FY 2025-26 alone, it supported 76,522 couples, with thousands of mass marriage events organised at district and divisional levels. •It has particularly benefited marginalised communities, with more than 2.2 lakh Dalit girls and 1.8 lakh OBC girls married under the programme, promoting social harmony and inclusiveness.2. Transparency and Financial Savings through Digital Verification •Strict Aadhaar-based digital checks have prevented leakages, resulting in the identification and removal of 42,781 ineligible applicants in 2025-26, thereby saving Rs 427 crore for genuine beneficiaries. •The scheme has successfully promoted dowry-free, simple marriages on a large scale, with grand events like the one in Gorakhpur where 1,200 couples were married in a single day. •Enhanced financial assistance to Rs 1.01 lakh per couple has further strengthened the scheme’s impact in reducing the economic burden on poor families
