Gorakhpur: Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday highlighted the Chief Minister Mass Marriage Programme as a beacon of social equality and a strong step against the dowry system. Speaking at an event on the Hindustan Urvarak and Rasayan Ltd premises in the city, where 1,200 couples tied the knot, he emphasised the scheme's inclusive perspective, bridging divides of caste, religion and region.
"This initiative unites people from all faiths in holy matrimony as per their individual tradition. It is a battle against dowry, child marriage and untouchability," he said. Since its inception in 2017, the programme had facilitated over 3.84 lakh weddings, with the count set to cross 4 lakh by year-end, the CM added.
Calling it a campaign to empower women and eradicate dowry, Yogi lauded participants for setting an example by rejecting dowry demands. "Govt ensures no daughter remains unmarried due to financial constraints," he asserted.
He credited PM Modi's leadership for transformative policies like Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao, free LPG connections and Ayushman Bharat. Highlighting state's welfare schemes, he cited pension for 1 crore individuals, Atal Residential Schools for labourers' children and financial aid to 20 lakh girls under Mukhyamantri Kanya Sumangala Yojana.
At the event, the CM blessed newlyweds, distributed gift kits and interacted with couples and families. Noticing children among the guests, he shared a light moment with them too and gifted them chocolates.
The ceremony was attended by Gorakhpur Mayor Dr Manglesh Srivastava and MLAs Rajesh Tripathi and Mahendra Pal Singh. The CM termed the event a rare, grand celebration marking govt and societal unity for a noble cause.