Bhubaneswar, May 4: Odisha’s flagship women-centric welfare initiative, the Subhadra scheme, is set to bring relief to thousands of women as financial assistance will be credited to their accounts today. Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida announced that 1,23,849 women, who had previously missed out on the scheme, will now receive their Subhadra installment.
In a social media post, Parida stated, “Those who had applied for Subhadra but were not included in the scheme for various reasons will now be provided assistance.” The announcement has been widely welcomed as it ensures the inclusion of previously excluded applicants.
Earlier, on International Women’s Day (March 8), the Odisha government disbursed the fourth installment of the Subhadra scheme to over 1.02 crore beneficiaries through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) at a special event in Puri’s Talabania. On that occasion, 2,13,198 new beneficiaries also received assistance, while 36,385 women who had raised grievances through the official portal were included.
Launched on September 17, 2024, the Subhadra scheme has emerged as a flagship welfare initiative. Its primary aim is to empower over one crore women by enhancing financial independence and promoting self-reliance.
A recent report by the State Bank of India’s research wing highlighted the scheme’s impact, noting a 45 percent increase in savings among beneficiaries and a 28 percent rise in expenditure. The findings underline how Subhadra has transformed household financial patterns, particularly among women from economically weaker sections.
The report further revealed that 46 percent of beneficiaries are aged between 30 and 44 years, 31 percent fall in the 45–49 age group, and 23 percent are below 30. The scheme’s reach across diverse age groups demonstrates its broad social impact.
By providing unconditional cash transfers, Subhadra has not only boosted savings but also offered crucial financial security to women, especially those at the bottom of the socio-economic pyramid. Experts believe the scheme is fostering greater participation of women in Odisha’s economic activities, contributing to long-term social transformation.
