Odisha's Subhadra Yojana to Disburse Rs 5,000 Crore to Over 1.02 Crore Women on International Women's Day
In a significant announcement, Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida revealed that the state's flagship Subhadra Yojana will release its fourth instalment on March 8, coinciding with International Women's Day. The scheme will benefit over 1.02 crore women with a total disbursement of Rs 5,000 crore, marking a major step in women's empowerment and financial inclusion in the region.
Scheme Details and Beneficiary Expansion
The Subhadra Yojana, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2024, provides Rs 50,000 to each eligible woman over a five-year period. Women aged between 21 and 60 years are eligible for this financial assistance. Deputy CM Parida, who also serves as the Women and Child Development Minister, stated that the funds will be officially released in Puri by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi.
Notably, the women and child development department has received over 1.12 crore applications for the scheme to date. While the fourth instalment will reach 1.02 crore beneficiaries, this cycle includes approximately 2.13 lakh new recipients. These new beneficiaries comprise 'Yuva Subhadra' participants—women who have recently turned 21—and 36,385 women added through a grievance redressal mechanism.
Dynamic Nature of the Beneficiary List
Parida emphasized that the Subhadra Yojana beneficiary list is dynamic and undergoes annual updates. "Every year, women turning 21 years of age will be registered under the scheme, while those reaching 60 years will be shifted to the state's pension scheme. This is a continuous annual process," she explained.
This means that the scheme adapts to demographic changes, ensuring ongoing support for younger women while transitioning older beneficiaries to pension programs. For the new beneficiaries included after turning 21, this marks their second instalment cycle, whereas it is the fourth for earlier enrollees.
International Women's Day Celebrations and Awards
As part of the International Women's Day festivities in Puri, the event will not only focus on financial disbursements but also recognize women who have made notable achievements in women and child development. Awards will be presented to honor their contributions, adding a celebratory and motivational aspect to the day.
The Subhadra Yojana represents a robust effort by the Odisha government to enhance women's economic independence and social welfare. With its structured approach and annual refinements, the scheme aims to provide sustained support across generations, fostering a more inclusive and empowered society.
