When it comes to marriage, especially the marriage of a daughter, the first thing that comes to the minds of poor families is not celebration, but worry. The worry of money. Weddings are special occasions, no doubt. But they are also expensive. In many well-off families, people save for years or take loans to host grand weddings. But in financially weaker households, even arranging the basic expenses becomes a mountain-like task. And because of this, many parents either delay their daughters’ marriage or feel helpless and ashamed for not being able to conduct it with dignity. This is exactly why the Bihar government launched the Kanya Vivah Yojana. It is a scheme meant to support poor families financially for their daughters’ marriages, to ensure their daughters get married with dignity and respect. Let’s go through everything in detail, just like I would explain to a friend or relative who needs this information.
What is Kanya Vivah Yojana?
So, to begin with, Kanya Vivah Yojana is a social welfare scheme that was started by the Bihar Government in the year 2007. This scheme is designed to help poor and disadvantaged families by giving them financial support of ₹10,000 when their daughter gets married. Earlier, under this scheme, the amount given was just ₹5,000. But seeing inflation and rising costs of weddings, the government increased the amount to ₹10,000. The money may not cover everything, but it’s a good support to manage some of the basic expenses like clothes, utensils, or ceremony costs. The scheme is specially made for those families who live Below the Poverty Line (BPL). The goal is to ensure that no girl’s marriage is delayed or canceled just because of money.
What is the Purpose of This Scheme?
Now, let’s talk about why this scheme was launched. The main aim of Kanya Vivah Yojana is to reduce the financial burden on poor families at the time of their daughter’s marriage. But it goes beyond just money. This scheme also sends a message of respect and equality. It tells society that daughters are not a burden, and that even the poorest family can give their daughter a respectful wedding with some support.
Here are some of the key goals of this scheme:
- Support poor families during their daughters’ marriage
- Promote the idea of gender equality
- Encourage dignified and respectful weddings
- Reduce social pressure and financial stress
- Empower girls by making marriage possible without dowry or shame
And friends, when the government stands behind its citizens like this, it builds confidence in the hearts of struggling families.
Who is Eligible for Kanya Vivah Yojana?
Let me now explain who can apply for this scheme. There are a few eligibility rules that must be followed. Read these carefully if you or someone you know wants to benefit from it.
| Eligibility Criteria | Details |
| Resident | The applicant must be a permanent resident of Bihar |
| Family Income | Annual income should be less than ₹60,000 |
| Girl’s Age | Minimum age should be 18 years |
| Groom’s Age | Minimum age should be 21 years |
| BPL Status | The family should have a BPL card |
| Dowry | Families involved in dowry are not eligible |
| First Marriage Only | Second marriage cases are not allowed, except widows |
| Widows’ Remarriage | Eligible only if the woman is a widow remarrying |
These rules are in place to ensure the right families get the help they need and to promote lawful and respectful marriages.
What Are the Documents Required?
To apply for the Kanya Vivah Yojana, some basic documents are required. Make sure these are ready before you go to apply.
- Aadhaar Card of the girl and her parents
- Income Certificate
- Residence Certificate
- BPL Card
- Bank Passbook (must be in the name of the girl or her parent)
- Passport size photo
- Marriage certificate or proof (at the time of claim)
These documents help the department verify your eligibility and make sure the money reaches the right people.
What is the Application Process?
Offline Application (Currently Active)
At the moment, the online application process is not available. But don’t worry, the offline process is very simple and effective.
Here’s what you need to do:
- Visit your nearest Social Welfare Department office (Samaj Kalyan Vibhag).
- Ask for the Kanya Vivah Yojana application form.
- Fill the form carefully with correct details.
- Attach photocopies of all required documents.
- Submit the form back to the office.
- Once verified, the money will be transferred to the applicant’s bank account.
If you live in a rural area, you can also take the help of your Panchayat Secretary or Ward Member to know where to go.
Online Application (Coming Soon)
Now here’s some good news!
The Bihar Government is preparing a mobile app for this scheme, which will allow people to apply online. The app is being developed by a private company, and it’s currently in the testing phase. Once it is ready, it will be available on the Play Store, and through that app, people will be able to fill the form from home. As soon as it’s launched, I’ll suggest you try it because online applications are always faster and more convenient.
Benefits of the Scheme
All the information in this blog comes directly from official government websites.
Here’s a quick table to summarize the financial support:
| Component | Amount Provided |
| Initial support (previously) | ₹5,000 |
| Revised support (current) | ₹10,000 |
| Provided by | Bihar Government |
| Purpose | Daughter’s marriage |
| Mode of Payment | Direct Bank Transfer |
This amount may not cover an entire wedding, but it definitely lightens the load and gives families some breathing space.
Real Impact of Kanya Vivah Yojana
I want you to pause and imagine a small village in Bihar where a father who earns ₹200 a day is struggling to save enough for his daughter’s wedding. With this scheme, he feels a bit more hopeful. That ₹10,000 may mean less debt, fewer worries, and a ceremony done with pride. Also, the scheme encourages age-appropriate marriages by strictly requiring the girl to be 18 and the boy to be 21. That’s a very responsible step toward stopping child marriages. And let’s not forget,it also sends out a strong message against dowry. If your family gives or takes dowry, you are automatically disqualified from this benefit.
Conclusion
So friends, I believe Kanya Vivah Yojana is a powerful and emotional initiative by the Bihar Government. It doesn’t just provide ₹10,000, it gives hope, dignity, and strength to poor families trying to do the best for their daughters. It promotes equality, discourages dowry, and supports women empowerment. And most importantly, it helps families who really need support during one of the biggest occasions of their lives. If you or someone you know is eligible, please do not hesitate to apply. And if you found this information helpful, share it with others, your house help, your driver, someone in your village, anyone who can benefit from it. Let’s work together to make sure every daughter gets married with dignity and happiness, regardless of financial status.
