Bhubaneswar: Amid a growing rush at public centers across Odisha for Subhadra Yojana applications, Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida has clarified that there is no immediate need for urgency. The government has not set any deadline for applying under the scheme, providing relief to thousands of applicants concerned about missing out.
In an official statement, Parida reassured the public, stating, "There is no need to hurry. Every eligible beneficiary will receive the financial assistance they are entitled to under Subhadra Yojana, regardless of when they complete the registration process. Even those who register after September 17 will still be eligible for benefits. The application process will remain open until every eligible beneficiary has been included."
Where to Access Forms
The application forms for Subhadra Yojana are being made available free of cost at various public offices, including Anganwadi Centres, Block Offices, Urban Local Body Offices, Mo Seba Kendras, and Common Service Centres (CSCs).
Applicants simply need to fill out the form and submit it at their nearest Mo Seba Kendra or CSC to get registered for the scheme.
Key Dates and Financial Assistance
The Subhadra Yojana, a major welfare scheme, will be officially launched on September 17, coinciding with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's birthday. The disbursement of the first installment of financial aid will also commence on this day.
Under the scheme, each beneficiary is set to receive a total of Rs 50,000 over five years. The financial assistance will be distributed in two installments annually, with Rs 10,000 credited to the beneficiaries' bank accounts on Raksha Bandhan and International Women’s Day (March 8) respectively.
To streamline the application process, the Odisha government has also launched an online portal, subhadra.odisha.gov.in, for easy access and submission of forms.
Massive Rush at Centers
Despite the assurances from the Deputy CM, a massive rush has been reported at various centers across the state as women applicants eagerly seek to secure the financial benefits. The rush has been particularly intense at Anganwadi Kendras, block offices, and Mo Seba Kendras, where many women gathered either to collect application forms or to submit completed ones.
Additionally, some women were seen waiting outside the centers to update their Aadhaar cards, a crucial step in availing benefits under the scheme.
Concerns Over Safety
The surge in applications has led to concerns about safety at several locations, with reports of stampede-like situations emerging due to the sheer volume of applicants. Authorities are being urged to ensure crowd control measures are in place to avoid any unfortunate incidents.