In a significant move to empower women across Odisha, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Thursday disbursed financial assistance to over 4.57 lakh beneficiaries of the Subhadra scheme by releasing more than Rs 315 crore through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). This disbursement marks a crucial step in the state's commitment to women's welfare and economic independence.
Comprehensive Support for Women Beneficiaries
The beneficiaries included women who had not received their first, second, and third instalments previously, as well as newly-registered beneficiaries for the 2025-26 financial year. Chief Minister Majhi emphasized that Subhadra is the largest women-centric scheme in post-Independence Odisha, with an annual outlay of Rs 11,000 crore. Under this ambitious initiative, over 1 crore eligible women aged between 21 and 60 years will receive Rs 10,000 per year in two instalments for five years, amounting to total assistance of Rs 50,000 per beneficiary.
A Landmark Initiative for Women's Empowerment
Majhi described the Subhadra scheme as a shining example of the government's dedication to the mothers and sisters of Odisha. Since its launch in September 2024, assistance worth over Rs 15,000 crore has been disbursed in three instalments. The two annual instalments are scheduled to be released every year on the occasions of Rakhi Purnima and International Women's Day, symbolizing the state's ongoing support for women's rights and progress.
The chief minister highlighted that through this scheme, the government aims to improve multiple dimensions of women's lives, and the initiative is progressively achieving success. "When a woman has money in her hands, her voice becomes stronger within the family and society. She can take decisions, plan for the future, and face challenges with courage. The Subhadra scheme aims to provide that confidence. Our goal is that no one should be left behind in the journey of development," Majhi stated passionately.
Beyond Subhadra: Record Budget Allocation for Women
The chief minister added that the government's commitment extends beyond the Subhadra scheme. In the current budget, a record provision of Rs 89,862 crore was made exclusively for women, which constitutes nearly 30% of the total budget size. This substantial allocation underscores the state's holistic approach to women's development and empowerment across various sectors.
Inspiring Success Stories and Entrepreneurial Spirit
Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida remarked that the Subhadra scheme demonstrates how a woman can start her own enterprise through her own strength. To celebrate this entrepreneurial spirit, the chief minister felicitated five Subhadra beneficiaries who have successfully built their enterprises and handed over cheques to them, recognizing their achievements and inspiring others to follow suit.
The Subhadra scheme continues to be a cornerstone of Odisha's efforts to foster gender equality and economic resilience among women, setting a benchmark for other states to emulate in their pursuit of inclusive growth and development.
