Brides In MP Receive Condoms & OCPs Along With Makeup Kits At A Mass Wedding In MP

Recently, a mass wedding was organised in the Jhabua area of Madhya Pradesh where around 296 couples tied the knot. However, the event sparked a debate on social media after condoms and oral contraceptive pills were found in the makeup boxes given to brides.

The mass wedding was organised under the Mukhyamantri Kanya Vivah/ Nikah Yojana, an initiative by Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan to help underprivileged women.

Condoms And OCPs Gifted To Brides

As quoted by NDTV, Bhursingh Rawat, a senior district administrator, said, “We are not responsible for distributing the condoms and the contraceptive pills. It is possible that the health department gave away the material as a part of its family planning awareness program.”

He also clarified the responsibilities of the government scheme, which includes transferring ₹49,000 to the beneficiary account and providing for essentials like tents, water, and food which amounts to ₹6,000. Hence, a bride receives a total amount of ₹55,000.

The distribution of contraceptive options fell under the purview of the health department. While condoms and OCPs along with makeup kits sparked controversy, it could also be seen as a move to spread awareness around family planning and help people understand the importance of these options when it comes to sexual wellness, prevention of Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) and overall well-being of an individual.

But this is not the first controversy that this scheme has landed into. In the past, many reports surfaced claiming that brides were asked to undergo pregnancy tests during a mass wedding event in the Gadasarai neighbourhood of Dindori, Madhya Pradesh. The chief medical officer of Dindori said these tests ensure the age of the bride, ensure their physical well-being, and screen for sickle cell anaemia.

During this incident, a woman’s test came positive, and she revealed that she was living with her fiancé before the nuptials.

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Growing Population And Family Planning

According to the Worldometer, the Indian population on May 30 stood at 1.42 billion.India has overthrown China in 2023 from being the most populated country in the world.

Family planning is necessary. It can also prevent unwanted pregnancies and complications related to abortions. Economically, it is a sound method to provide enough for the basic needs of kids and other members of the family.

According to a report published by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), there is a need for greater investment in family planning to reduce maternal mortality, infant mortality and the rate of abortions. The annual report of 2015-16 read, “Family planning can help to mitigate the impact of high population growth by helping women achieve the desired family size and avoid unintended and mistimed pregnancies.”

However, awareness regarding family planning cannot be spread by giving condoms and contraceptives at a wedding. It should be a holistic approach that should teach both men and women about bodily autonomy, prevention against STIs, the importance of delaying pregnancy unless the body is mature enough to bear a child, and the need for spacing births.

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While the intention behind the gifting contraception might be good, it raises questions on the execution and coordination among departments involved in this mass wedding in Madhya Pradesh. If you liked the story, stay tuned to HerZindagi for more.