Raipur, Feb 10: Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai presided over a record-breaking mass marriage ceremony on Tuesday, where 6,412 couples across Chhattisgarh entered wedlock under the Mukhya Mantri Kanya Vivah Yojana. The state-level event, held at the Science College Ground in Raipur, saw 1,316 couples marry in person while thousands more joined virtually from various districts, setting a new milestone recorded in the Golden Book of World Records.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister described the initiative as a symbol of social harmony and “Antyodaya,” noting that couples from Hindu, Muslim, Christian, Buddhist, and Baiga communities solemnised their marriages according to their respective traditions. Each couple received financial assistance of ₹35,000 directly in their bank accounts, alongside gift materials worth ₹15,000 provided by the state government.
On the occasion, Chief Minister Sai also launched the “Malnutrition-Free Chhattisgarh Campaign” (Kuposhan Mukt Chhattisgarh Abhiyan). Initially starting as a pilot project in the Bastar and Surguja divisions—specifically targeting districts like Bijapur, Dantewada, Narayanpur, and Sukma—the campaign aims to provide intensive nutritional support to nearly 40,000 identified children.
Highlighting the state’s broader welfare agenda, the Chief Minister mentioned that over 70 lakh women are currently benefiting from the Mahtari Vandan Yojana. He reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to tribal welfare through the relaunch of the Charan Paduka Yojana and increased tendu leaf collection rates, alongside the Shri Ram Lalla Darshan Yojana for pilgrims.
Women and Child Development Minister Laxmi Rajwade and Skill Development Minister Guru Khushwant Saheb also addressed the event, terming the massive turnout a testament to the government’s sensitive approach toward economically weaker sections. Prominent local leaders and senior officials from the Women and Child Development department were present to witness the ceremony.