Naveen Patnaik Criticizes BJP Over Insufficient Subhadra Scheme Payouts

BJD president Naveen Patnaik criticized the BJP's Subhadra scheme, highlighting discrepancies between election promises and actual payouts. He questioned the BJP's guarantee of financial aid to women, pointing out the significant reduction from Rs 50,000 to Rs 5,000. The scheme's broader impact on women's empowerment was also scrutinized.

BJD president and Leader of Opposition in the Odisha Assembly, Naveen Patnaik, has strongly criticized the BJP over their Subhadra scheme announced on August 23. Taking to social media platform X, Patnaik accused the BJP of misleading voters by promising Rs 50,000 to every woman in the state but only delivering Rs 5,000, and that too to a limited number of women.

'The BJP had given a 'guarantee' of Rs 50,000 to each woman. Now, they are paying just Rs 5,000, and not to all women as initially promised. Only one in three women will benefit from this scheme,' said Patnaik, adding that approximately 2.25 crore women were supposed to be included, but only 70 lakh will now be covered.

Patnaik argued that the small payout amount is insufficient for business or substantial personal use, undermining women's hopes of empowerment. He also pointed out that the BJP plans to borrow Rs 50,000 crore to implement the scheme, questioning the sustainability and effectiveness of such measures. The Subhadra scheme, approved by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi for 2024-2029, aims to disburse a total of Rs 50,000 in five years to eligible women, with an outlay of Rs 55,825 crore.

(With inputs from agencies.)