Odisha launches Subhadra Yojana awareness drive to empower over 1 crore women

Bhubaneswar: On the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida flagged off the Subhadra Yojana Awareness Rath on Saturday.

This awareness vehicle will travel across Odisha to inform people about the upcoming Subhadra Yojana scheme, which aims to empower over 1 crore women in the state.

Chief Minister Majhi explained that the awareness chariots will educate people on how to apply for the Subhadra scheme. He emphasized that the initiative is an opportunity to fulfill the dreams of many women and represents Odia Asmita (pride). “The Subhadra scheme will be launched on September 17 and will provide financial assistance to women across Odisha,” he said. “Today, on Ganesh Chaturthi, we are starting the ‘Subhadra Awareness Rath’ in Bhubaneswar, which will later travel throughout Odisha to spread awareness about the scheme.”

Deputy Chief Minister Parida expressed her gratitude for being part of the initiative, saying, “It is my good fortune that on the auspicious occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi, the Subhadra Yojana has been started by CM Mohan Charan Majhi.” She emphasized that there is no deadline for submitting the application form, ensuring that all eligible beneficiaries receive the benefits. “The registration for the Subhadra Yojana will continue until the last beneficiary submits her form,” she added.

The scheme will utilize a ‘rajrath’ vehicle that will travel across 338 units to reach households directly. Parida highlighted that this is the first time in Odisha’s history that over 1 crore women will benefit from a single scheme. She stated, “The main aim of the Subhadra Yojana is to empower women. When one woman becomes empowered, the entire family gets empowered. Hence, this initiative aims to empower over a crore families in Odisha.” She also expressed hope that the scheme would support Prime Minister Modi’s vision of creating ‘lakhpati didis’ and inspire Odisha’s women to become ‘crorepatis.’

The Deputy Chief Minister also sought the blessings of Goddess Subhadra for the success of the scheme. Under Subhadra Yojana, women beneficiaries will receive Rs 10,000 per annum for five years, with the first instalment of Rs 5,000 to be disbursed on September 17, coinciding with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birth anniversary. Officials have set a target to enroll at least 1 crore women beneficiaries under the scheme, fulfilling a promise made by the BJP in its election manifesto.