Mass marriage becoming popular in MP

Bhopal, June 25 (UNI) Mass marriages are gaining popularity in Madhya Pradesh with the state government turning up as a facilitator for the marriage of poor girls.

Launched as a pet project of Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, financial assistance of Rs 5,000 is given to each couple under the Deendayal Antyodaya Mission. The scheme was launched at a mass marriage function in tribal Mandla district in April.

Blessing 25 couples, including two from Muslim community, two widows and a disabled girl, at a mass marriage function here today, Mr Chouhan said economic empowerment of poorer sections of the society was state government's top priority.

''Mass marriage of the poor daughters has been institutionalised under the Deendayal Antyodaya Mission to ensure that no girl from poor families remains unmarried for want of money'', he said.

''Community participation in such programmes would yield better results'', said Finance Minister Raghavji, who also attended the ceremony.

Shahar Qazi Amirulla announced that henceforth he would not take 'Nikah fee' at such functions.

UNI SP VJ BST0455