MAHOTTARI, June 19: Women in Bardibas Municipality of Mahottari who marry after reaching the legal age of 20 will now receive a cash incentive of Rs 51,000.
The provision was announced in the municipality's policy, program, and budget for the fiscal year 2026/27, presented at its 18th Municipal Assembly.
"We have introduced this incentive to help reduce child marriage," said Mayor Prahlad Kumar Kshetri. "From the upcoming fiscal year, every woman from the municipality who marries after turning 20 will receive this amount."
Export cash incentive scheme fails to deliver
Kshetri said the initiative is expected to discourage child marriage and promote awareness about marrying at the legally prescribed age. He added that the provision, included in the policy and program unveiled on Tuesday, has received positive feedback from various sections of society.
Earlier, on March 18, 2024, the municipality had announced a Rs 50,000 incentive specifically for couples from the Musahar community who married after reaching the legal age. Records from the municipal executive office show that only one couple from Ward No. 12 has claimed and received the incentive so far.
The Musahar community resides in almost all 14 wards of the municipality. Dev Narayan Mahato, a social and political activist from Bardibas 2, said the fact that only one couple has claimed the benefit suggests that child marriage may still be prevalent within the community.
Of the municipality's 14 wards, 13 have been declared child marriage free over the past two years. Only Ward No. 12 has yet to receive that designation.
Municipal officials hope the new Rs 51,000 incentive for women marrying after the age of 20 will further strengthen public awareness and help eliminate child marriage.
Mayor Kshetri clarified that while the new incentive applies to women from all communities, the earlier provision for the Musahar community, under which both the bride and groom are eligible for support, will remain in place.
He said child marriage remains relatively common among the Musahar community, making it necessary to continue providing incentives to both men and women.
Women's rights advocates have welcomed the municipality's decision, saying it could contribute to broader social reform.
