Subhadra Portal Launched: Empowering Women in Odisha

Bhubaneswar: In a significant step towards women empowerment, Odisha's Deputy Chief Minister Prabhati Parida has launched the Subhadra Portal today. This initiative is a vital part of the state government's new Subhadra Scheme, which aims to provide financial assistance to eligible women across Odisha. The portal will host all relevant information about the scheme, making it easily accessible to the public. 

Citizens can visit the portal by logging into https://subhadra.odisha.gov.in, where they can find detailed information about the scheme and begin the application process. 

Application Process Begins 

Deputy Chief Minister Prabhati Parida announced that the distribution of application forms for the Subhadra Scheme has already started. From the 4th of the month, women can begin collecting the forms. Once completed, applicants must submit the forms along with a copy of their Aadhaar card. The forms can be submitted at either Mo Seva Kendras or Jan Seva Kendras, which are spread across the state. 

The Deputy Chief Minister emphasized that the entire process of form distribution and submission is free of charge, ensuring that every eligible woman can benefit from the scheme without any financial burden. 

Prime Minister's Visit and First Installment of Benefits 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Odisha soon and officially launch the Subhadra Scheme during his tour. The first installment of benefits will be disbursed starting from Raksha Bandhan. The state government has pledged to continue this financial assistance until all eligible women receive their due benefits. 

The Subhadra Scheme is a key initiative of the state government aimed at empowering women by providing them with financial security. Under this scheme, eligible women will receive a total of ₹50,000 over five years, with an annual installment of ₹10,000. The registration process has already commenced in various parts of the state. 

Women can register for the scheme by visiting their nearest Anganwadi Centres or other designated registration centres, where they will need to present the required documents for verification. This initiative is seen as a positive step towards enhancing the financial independence of women in Odisha. 

Political Tensions in the State Assembly 

However, the scheme has sparked heated discussions in the Odisha State Assembly. Opposition members disrupted proceedings by raising slogans and staging protests, demanding that the scheme include all women in the state. Their demonstrations caused a temporary halt in the Assembly's session, with the Speaker having to adjourn the House due to the disruptions. 

The Opposition has voiced concerns over the government's promises during the election campaign, particularly regarding the financial assistance of ₹50,000. They question why the scheme does not cover all women in Odisha, accusing the ruling party of betrayal. Opposition Chief Whip, Pramila Mallick, criticized the government, stating that altering promises after coming to power amounts to deception. She called on the government to honour its commitment and extend the financial benefits to every woman in the state. 

Despite the political unrest, the state government remains firm on its stance, stating that the Subhadra Scheme will be implemented as planned, with a focus on empowering the most vulnerable sections of society. 

Conclusion 

The Subhadra Scheme represents a crucial initiative by the Odisha government to improve the lives of women across the state. By providing financial assistance and streamlining the process through the Subhadra Portal, the state aims to ensure that women from all walks of life can benefit from this program. As the scheme unfolds, its success will be closely monitored by both supporters and critics alike, with hopes that it will lead to a stronger and more empowered Odisha.