UP Siblings Get Married To Avail Mass Wedding Scheme Benefits

In a bizarre incident, a brother and sister allegedly got married to each other to avail of mass marriage benefits in Hathras, Uttar Pradesh. The siblings were trying to fraudulently receive benefits under the Mukhyamantri Samuhik Vivah Yojana, which promises ₹35,000 in the bank account of the bride, essential goods worth ₹10,000 for the couple, besides the ₹6,000 expenditure in solemnizing the marriage. Meanwhile, several other married couples wedded for a second time at the ceremony to get the benefits, reports said.

The incident came to light after a complaint from local residents. Sub Divisional Magistrate Ved Singh Chauhan took action and ordered an investigation into the case. According to media reports, complainants alleged that a municipal employee arranged these fake marriages to get money under the scheme.

Similar Incident In Laxmipur

In a similar incident in May 2024, a woman was made to marry her brother at a government-organised mass wedding event to claim gifts and money. The incident happened at the Laxmipur block area where the Mukhyamantri Samohihik Vibah Yojna scheme was organised and 38 couples got married.  

As per the reports, the woman was already married and her husband used to work in a metro city. So the intermediaries persuaded the woman to participate in the mass wedding with her brother. The duo underwent all the traditions of the Hindu marriage including the saptpadi (going round the fire seven times). 

However, the officials sensed the foul play as they discovered that one of the women in the event was already married. Amit Mishra, the Block Development Officer of Laxmipur block began an investigation into the matter. He said that the gifts given to the accused couple will be taken back and no money will be given to them. He also mentioned that strict action would be taken against the accused. 

What do these incidents tell us?

These incidents show that marriage has now been reduced to a game of dolls. The promises, the love and understanding do not matter until the ceremony leads to getting gifts and money. We come across many cases in which marriages happen just for money. Once the money requirement is fulfilled, the marriage is broken like it was tied by a thin thread. 

Should marriages happen just for money? Is it right to mock the ceremonies and the significance of marriage for personal reasons? If yes, then is it right to make marriage a sacred commitment? 

Views expressed are the author's own.