Condoms and contraceptive pills were discovered inside make-up boxes distributed to brides during a mass wedding event in Madhya Pradesh’s Jhabua district. The event occurred as part of Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan’s Mukhyamantri Kanya Vivah/Nikah Yojana, a scheme aimed at economically weaker women.

A total of 296 couples tied the knot during the event in Thandla. The distribution of condoms and contraceptive pills to newlyweds raised eyebrows, as they were included in the make-up boxes given to couples as part of the scheme.

Bhursingh Rawat, a senior district official, attributed the incident to the state health department, suggesting that health officials may have included the contraceptives as part of a family planning awareness program.

Rawat clarified that the responsibility of the Mukhyamantri Kanya Vivah/Nikah Yojana was limited to transferring funds directly to the beneficiary’s bank accounts and providing basic amenities such as food, water, and tents. At the same time, the distribution of the make-up boxes fell under the health department’s jurisdiction.

The Mukhyamantri Kanya Vivah/Nikah Yojana was launched in April 2006 by the Madhya Pradesh government to provide financial assistance for the marriage of women from economically weaker backgrounds. Under the scheme, the government offers Rs 55,000 to the bride’s family.

The scheme has often been into controversies, the latest being  brides asked to undergo pregnancy tests during a mass wedding event in the Gadsarai area of Dindori.

Presence condoms and contraceptive pills in the make-up boxes at the mass wedding  has raised questions about the implementation and coordination between different departments involved in the scheme. The incident highlights the need for better communication and clarity to avoid such unexpected occurrences in the future.