Bhubaneswar: In the lead-up to the 2024-25 fiscal state budget, the Odisha government, led by the BJP, is poised to finalize the eligibility criteria and guidelines for its flagship women welfare initiative, the Subhadra Yojana. Named after Devi Subhadra, this scheme is designed to empower women through financial support.
The Women and Child Development department has been entrusted with the task of crafting the scheme’s guidelines and estimating the budget required for its implementation. Sources reveal that under the Subhadra Yojana, eligible beneficiaries will receive a cash voucher worth Rs 50,000. The scheme is expected to be applicable to one woman per family, targeting those aged between 21 and 59 years.
Notably, the scheme aims to exclude families with salaried employees in government and semi-government sectors, as well as income tax payers. Eligible beneficiaries will likely include divorced women, widows, or those abandoned, provided they are local residents with a self-declared income not exceeding Rs 1.5 lakh per year, either individually or as a family.
The Subhadra Yojana places significant emphasis on enhancing women’s socio-economic status. Permissible expenditures include education, healthcare, and entrepreneurial ventures. However, certain restrictions will prevent beneficiaries from encashing the voucher for specific items, ensuring the funds are utilized for their intended purpose.
"The details are being finalized to ensure the scheme will run for five years, with beneficiaries receiving a voucher worth Rs 10,000 each year," according to a source from the Women and Child Development department shared. Detailed guidelines, including eligibility criteria and exclusions, will be released soon. A window for applications from eligible beneficiaries will also be opened.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced that the Subhadra Yojana will be launched on September 17, which also happens to be Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday. CM Majhi has extended an invitation to the Prime Minister to inaugurate the scheme.
The first cabinet meeting of the newly formed BJP government, held just hours after the swearing-in ceremony on June 12, gave the green light to the Subhadra Yojana. This scheme was a major promise in the party’s recent election campaign, reflecting their commitment to women’s welfare and empowerment.
The Women and Child Development department is working diligently to prepare the guidelines and budget estimates. Once the final approval is received from the cabinet, the scheme will be rolled out. Funds for the Subhadra Yojana will be allocated in the forthcoming state budget.
The Subhadra Yojana represents a significant step towards improving the socio-economic conditions of women in Odisha. By providing financial support and ensuring that the funds are used for productive purposes, the scheme aims to empower women, helping them achieve greater independence and better quality of life.
As the state eagerly awaits the official launch, the Odisha government’s initiative is being seen as a promising move towards gender equality and women’s empowerment. The detailed guidelines and application process are expected to be made public soon, paving the way for eligible women to benefit from this significant welfare scheme.