Uttar Pradesh: Woman Marries Brother to Get Cash & Gifts
Fraudulence tarnishes the noble intent of the UP Samuhik Vivah Yojana, prompting swift reforms by the government to prevent further exploitation of welfare schemes.
In a bid to support families facing financial constraints during marriages, the Uttar Pradesh government initiated the 'UP Samuhik Vivah Yojana' in 2023. The scheme aimed to extend financial aid to couples tying the knot, ensuring they could celebrate their special day with dignity. However, recent incidents of fraud have marred the noble intentions behind the scheme.
A peculiar case unfolded in the Lakshmipur block of Maharajganj, where 38 couples participated in a mass wedding event on 5th March 2024. Amidst them was Preeti and her already-married husband, Ramesh Yadav. Influenced by village development officers, they attempted to exploit the scheme by remarrying. However, fate played a whimsical hand when the groom failed to show up on time.
In a twist of events, Preeti was persuaded to marry her brother, Krishna, to reap the benefits promised by the scheme. Oblivious to the legal implications, they went through all wedding rituals, including exchanging garlands and taking the sacred 'seven pheras'. The authorities, unaware of the deception, bestowed gift items upon the newlyweds.
The bubble burst when senior officials discovered Preeti's existing marriage and her husband's employment in a metro city. Subsequently, a case of fraud was filed against Preeti and Krishna. Consequences were swift, with a village development officer suspended and actions initiated against officials involved in verifying Preeti's documents.
Unfortunately, this incident wasn't an isolated one. In Ballia district, 240 ineligible individuals registered for the scheme, triggering a widespread investigation. A total of 15 people, including government officials, faced legal repercussions for their involvement in the fraud.
In response to escalating fraud cases, the UP government has taken corrective measures. They plan to issue marriage certificates on the spot and link couples' details with Aadhaar cards to prevent further misuse of the scheme.
The incidents highlight the importance of robust verification processes and stringent oversight in implementing welfare schemes. While such initiatives aim to uplift vulnerable communities, transparency and accountability are crucial to ensure their effectiveness and prevent exploitation.
As Uttar Pradesh navigates through these challenges, it underscores the need for continuous vigilance and adaptation in public welfare initiatives to truly serve those in need while safeguarding against misuse and exploitation.
