Bhubaneswar, October 16: Odisha Minister Bibhuti Bhusan Jena recently highlighted the state's efforts in advancing women’s empowerment through various government initiatives. He emphasized that Odisha is setting the benchmark in India with the "Lakhpati Didi" initiative, which has positively impacted more than one crore women. "Odisha has emerged as the top-performing state in the country under the Lakhpati Didi initiative," Jena stated.

The Minister also discussed the Ama Subahaka Yojana, a program aimed at supporting 1,100 women over the next four years. “Under this scheme, women will receive substantial benefits. Each eligible participant will have the opportunity to secure a bank loan of up to Rs 10 lakh, repayable over five years, with the government subsidizing the interest at 11% per annum. Additionally, women opting for electric vehicles will be granted an extra Rs 2 lakh as an incentive,” he added.

Meanwhile, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi made an important announcement regarding the welfare of Habisyali mothers—the women pilgrims, especially widows, who observe the month-long Kartik Brata ritual in Puri. Majhi revealed plans for a digital registration system, set to roll out next year, to provide medical and emergency services during the sacred month of Kartik.

"The devotion of Habisyali mothers represents Odisha’s moral strength and cultural identity," CM Majhi said, adding that Rs 3.30 crore has been allocated this year for their welfare—an increase of Rs 70 lakh from the previous year. “We must follow the teachings of Lord Jagannath in our efforts to support these devoted women,” he concluded.