Couples marry ‘again’ to avail govt scheme
NOIDA: Some married couples “renewed their vows” at an event organised by the state government under the chief minister’s Samuhik Vivah Yojna in Uttar Pradesh’s Gautam Budh Nagar district last month, leaving the authorities unimpressed.
Turns out, there was nothing romantic about their gesture. The couples had simply come along to collect the monetary doles given away by the government to impoverished women who tie the knot under the government’s marital initiative.
As many as 66 couples were wedded at the event in Greater Noida on February 24. The government transfers ₹20,000 into the bank account of each bride, besides gifting her with household items worth ₹10,000. This, along with ₹5,000 spent on food and music, took the total expendi- ture per head to ₹35,000.
The district authorities discovered on Monday that a few of these couples were already married, and had gone through the procedure again simply to avail of benefits under the scheme. The district magistrate has ordered an inquiry into the case.
A probe showed that while 61 couples were registered through the block development officer, 10 were added by the district’s chief development officer (CDO) at the last moment on February 23.
Officials said the CDO received the 10 additional entries from Dharmendar Bhati, husband of Babita, the gram pradhan (village head) of Cheeti village. “The CDO added the names of 10 couples without conducting a thorough verification. Of these, four have turned out to be married. An investigation has started and strict action will be taken against the culprits,” said BN Singh, district magistrate.
The district administration of Gutam Budh Nagar will lodge an FIR against four couples, gram pradhan Babita Bhati of Cheeti village and her husband Dharmendra Bhati for misusing the government scheme by enabling married couples to participate.
Officials said Bhatis were aware of the marital status of the four couples, but still they recommended their names. Despite repeated attempts Dharmendra was not available for comment.