Karnataka govt plans mass marriages to help poor people

Bengaluru: The Karnataka government on Thursday announced that mass marriages would be organised by certain temples coming under Muzrai department, aimed at helping those from the financially weak background.

Temples would be spending Rs 55,000 per couple for the marriage, which includes eight-gram gold ‘thali’ (mangalasutra) worth Rs 40,000.

“At select ‘A’ category temples that come under muzrai department, there is a plan to hold mass marriages, after holding a meeting with officials.. at the first stage 90-100 temples have been selected and circular will beissued,” Minister for Muzrai Kota Srinivas Poojari said.

Speaking to reporters here, he said, mass marriages would be held on April 26 and May 24.

“Before 30 days of the scheduled date, names of those getting married has to be registered at the temples; this will be followed by announcement of list of those getting married,” he said, adding at no cost there would be any chance for second marriage, and extra care will be taken to see to that prescribed age to get married as per law is ensured.

The programme is aimed at benefiting poor people; however, there is no specification that it was limited for BPL families.

Noting that those getting married would be given eight-gram gold ‘thali’ (mangalasutra) worth about Rs 40,000 from temples, the Minister said, Rs 5000 would be given to the groom for clothing and other expenditure, while Rs 10,000 for the bride, which would be deposited into their bank account soon after the wedding.

The thali would be procured in a transparent procedure, and district deputy commissioners would be responsible for this, he said.

‘A’ category temples with high income and good resources have been chosen for organising mass marriages.

There are 190 ‘A’ category temples in the state.

Among those, 100 temples with good resources have been selected which include, Kukke Subramanya and Mysuru Chamundeshwari temple.

He said, to avoid misuse of the programme when the list of those tying the knot during the mass marriage is announced, objections would be invited.

The plan is to conduct about 1,000 marriages in 90-100 temples that have been selected, the Minister said, the numbers may even increase.

“Traditions have been considered in setting the date. Those getting married can opt for one of the dates to get married,” he said.