State Approves Comprehensive Women's Empowerment Scheme 'Subhadra'

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced the approval of 'Subhadra', a Rs 55,825 crore initiative aimed at empowering over 1 crore women in the state. The scheme provides financial aid and promotes digital transactions. Women from well-off families and government servants are excluded. Implementation starts in FY 2024-25.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has unveiled an ambitious initiative for women's empowerment named 'Subhadra', approved by the state legislative assembly. The scheme has secured an outlay of Rs 55,825 crore and will be implemented from the fiscal year 2024-25 to 2028-29, according to a press release by the Chief Minister's Office (CMO).

Subhadra aims to transform the lives of over 1 crore women across the state. Eligible women aged between 21 and 60 years will receive Rs 10,000 per annum in two instalments on Rakhi Purnima Day and International Women's Day. Over five years, each beneficiary will receive a total of Rs 50,000, the CMO stated.

To ensure transparency, payments will be made directly to beneficiaries' Aadhaar-enabled bank accounts. Additionally, a Subhadra Debit Card will be issued, and women with maximum digital transactions in each Gram Panchayat and Urban Local Body will receive an incentive. However, women from well-off families and government employees are excluded. The Women and Child Development Department will establish a Subhadra Society for monitoring and implementation, aiming for a prompt rollout.

(With inputs from agencies.)