Challenging the age-old monopoly of private matchmakers, the Kudumbasree Mission in Kozhikode is stepping into the field of “matrimonial service” based on its already successful model in Thrissur district. ‘Trustworthy service at an affordable service charge’ will be the unique selling proposition of the new venture, which will offer the aid for free to prospective brides and grooms.
“We will start the service shortly, after getting the nod from the State mission,” said Kavitha Sathyan, district coordinator of the mission. “The State mission has started exploring the possibility of expanding the service to all districts,” she said adding that a common portal would be used for the registration from all districts.
At present, the matrimonial service controlled by the Kudumbasree Mission from Thrissur is collecting a service charge between ₹500 and ₹1,000 from male registrants on the basis of their educational qualifications. A separate service charge too will be applicable if the applicant finds a suitable match through the service.
Sandhya, a coordinator of the portal, says about 3,000 people have registered for the service. “During the last two years’ operation, we have managed to help 75 couples to get married. Also, we are getting a number of enquiries about the service and seeking the details of the registered applicants,” she adds.
The profit of the Kudumbasree project is mainly dependent on the commission paid after each successful marriage. For Kudumbasree members, the commission is ₹9,000. Applicants under the general category will have to pay ₹10,000. Kudumbasree officials attest that people are willing to pay the amount as it is the cheapest offer in Kerala nowThe Kudumbasree Mission will also consider the hosting of wedding fairs, where candidates can come and complete the registration formalities. A district-level office too will be opened to coordinate the service and facilitate the spot registrations.
Protest
Meanwhile, the Kerala State Marriage Bureau and Agents Association has opposed the move of the Kudumbasree Mission claiming that it would only end up in an unhealthy competition in the field. K.M. Raveendran State secretary of the association, said protest meets would be organised in all district headquarters urging the government to prevent the attempt. He claimed that the Mission was trying to expand the service through illegal means.
