Bengaluru: In what appears to be a counter to the Shaadi Bhagya scheme of the last Congress government, the Yediyurappa government has decided to conduct annual mass Hindu marriages in a select 90 to 100 temples of the state.
Speaking to reporters here on Thursday, Muzarai minister, Kota Srinivas Poojari, said a circular had been issued on the mass marriages, which would be conducted on April 26 and May 28, 2020 to begin with. The scheme will continue in future with the government sponsoring a 1,000 mass marriages every year at a cost of Rs 55, 000 per couple.
The minister explained that those who wanted to be part of these ceremonies, would have to register 30 days prior to the dates set, but made it clear that no eloping couples would be entertained.
The couples will have to provide their family details while registering for the scheme, and the government will verify their age and family details before agreeing to marry them.
“We will make sure the scheme is not misused by those who may want to marry a second time only to lay their hands on the government benefits that are provided under the scheme,” he assured.
While the bridegroom will get Rs 40,000 towards a mangalasutra and Rs 5000 towards his clothes and other expenses , the bride will get Rs 10000 for her wedding saree.
“The money will be deposited in their accounts after the wedding,” Mr Poojari said.
While in Bengaluru the mass marriages will be performed at the Banashankari temple , they will be held at the Chamundeshwari temple in Mysuru, the Kukke Subrahmanya temple and the Kolluru Mookambike temples among others.
Responding to a question, Mr Poojari said he had received complaints about a chemical being mixed in vermilion (kumkum) in the state and the government was trying to find the adulterant to ban its production.
