Statement by Chief Minister Smt. Rekha Gupta at the Grand Mass Marriage Ceremony held at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium

This is not merely a wedding, but a celebration of the dignity and empowerment of daughters: CM Rekha Gupta

This initiative is a strong step towards a safe, dignified, and self-reliant future for daughters: CM

New Delhi, March 2026 : Delhi Chief Minister Smt. Rekha Gupta on Monday attended a grand mass wedding ceremony at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, where she blessed 51 newly married couples. Addressing the gathering, she said the event was not merely about solemnising marriages but an inspiring effort to strengthen the values of equality, dignity and social cooperation.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Chief Minister said the daughters taking part were given the same dignity and care that every family hopes to provide at their own child’s wedding. She described the initiative as a meaningful effort to connect capable sections of society with families in need, calling it a strong example of social harmony. “This is not just a wedding ceremony, but a powerful step towards ensuring dignity, empowerment and a brighter future for our daughters,” she said. She added that such initiatives help bring positive change while reinforcing a sense of responsibility and respect towards girls. The Delhi government, she said, will continue to support efforts that promote inclusivity, sensitivity and equal opportunity.

The ceremony was held in the presence of spiritual leader Swami Avdheshanand Giri of the Juna Akhara. Among the dignitaries present were former President Ram Nath Kovind, his wife Savita Kovind, and Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Raksha Khadse.

As part of the programme, a comprehensive support package was extended to each bride to help her become self-reliant. Every bride received financial assistance of ₹1 lakh to ensure a strong start to her new life. In addition, skill development and training support worth up to ₹1 lakh will be provided after marriage to enhance employment opportunities.

To support continued education, each bride was given a laptop along with e-learning material, enabling them to pursue studies through digital platforms. Healthcare was also prioritised, with every bride covered under a health insurance scheme of up to ₹7.5 lakh for three years, with the premium fully borne by the organising institution.

Safety measures were also put in place, including thorough background verification of the grooms’ families to ensure there was no criminal history. Adding a strong emotional dimension to the ceremony, 51 IAS and IPS officers stepped forward to take part in key wedding rituals and formally support the couples during the marriage proceedings, setting an example of social responsibility.