The Subhadra Yojana is a significant initiative launched by the Government of Odisha aimed at empowering women. Under this scheme, women will receive financial assistance of ₹50,000 spread over five years. The program also focuses on enhancing digital literacy and improving health and education outcomes for more than 1 crore women.
On September 17, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi introduced the Subhadra Yojana to coincide with his 74th birthday. This initiative is poised to be a milestone in the movement for women’s empowerment in the state. The scheme is designed to support over 1 crore women, providing them with a comprehensive financial safety net.
To date, more than 10 lakh women have benefited from direct fund transfers into their bank accounts. The primary aim of this initiative is to uplift women by giving them financial assistance, fostering their well-being, and encouraging their active engagement in society. Through these efforts, the Subhadra Yojana is paving the way for a brighter future for women in Odisha.
What is Subhadra Yojana?
The Subhadra Yojana is a financial assistance scheme aimed at helping eligible beneficiaries aged 21 to 60 years. Through this program, recipients will receive a total of ₹50,000 over five years, beginning from the 2024-25 financial year and continuing until 2028-29.
The aid will be distributed annually, with ₹10,000 credited to each beneficiary’s bank account in two equal installments each year. To ensure a seamless and transparent disbursement process, the payments will be transferred directly to Aadhaar-linked, Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)-enabled accounts. This approach guarantees that the financial support reaches the intended recipients efficiently.
ପ୍ରଥମ ପର୍ଯ୍ୟାୟରେ ୫୦୦୦ ଟଙ୍କା / – ପାଇଥିବା ସୁଭଦ୍ରା ହିତାଧିକାରୀଙ୍କ ଅନୁଭୂତି ଦେଖନ୍ତୁ ।#SUBHADRA #GhareGhareSUBHADRA pic.twitter.com/JhoK4LwR4f
— SUBHADRA OFFICIAL (@odisha_subhadra) October 16, 2024
Goals of the Scheme
The Subhadra Yojana is crafted to uplift women across various dimensions of their lives. Its primary objectives focus on:
- Providing Financial Assistance: The scheme aims to enhance women’s economic independence by offering financial support that allows them to manage their resources effectively.
- Raising Awareness of Rights: By educating women about their rights, the program seeks to promote better health and educational outcomes, ensuring they have access to necessary services and opportunities.
- Fostering Entrepreneurship and Financial Literacy: The initiative emphasizes the importance of entrepreneurship and financial literacy, particularly in the realm of digital transactions. This knowledge empowers women to engage in business ventures and navigate the modern economy confidently.
Moreover, the scheme aspires to support women’s personal and professional growth, enabling them to become key decision-makers within their households and communities. Through these efforts, the Subhadra Yojana is laying the groundwork for a brighter future where women are empowered to lead and succeed.
Objectives of the Subhadra Yojana
The Subhadra Yojana is founded on several key objectives aimed at empowering women:
Financial Support
The scheme aims to provide a safety net for women and their families, helping to uplift their socio-economic status and ensure greater financial security.
Income Support
By offering direct income support to eligible women, the initiative acknowledges and enhances their role as valuable contributors to society, helping them achieve greater financial stability.
Health and Education
The program seeks to improve health, nutritional, and educational outcomes for women and their families. This holistic approach to empowerment ensures that women have the resources they need to thrive in all aspects of life.
Financial Inclusion
Promoting financial independence is a core goal of the scheme. By facilitating access to banking services and encouraging the use of digital platforms for transactions, the initiative aims to integrate women into the financial system.
Digital Literacy
The scheme equips women with the knowledge and tools necessary to participate in digital financial systems. This training helps reduce their dependency on cash-based transactions, making financial management more accessible and efficient.
Empowerment in Decision Making
The Subhadra Yojana encourages women to engage in decision-making processes at both personal and community levels. This involvement fosters opportunities for their personal and professional growth, ensuring they have a voice in their households and communities.
Through these objectives, the Subhadra Yojana strives to create a supportive environment where women can flourish and lead empowered lives.
Benefits of the Subhadra Yojana
The Subhadra Yojana provides a range of benefits designed to ensure long-term support and empowerment for women:
Subhadra Card
Every beneficiary will receive a Subhadra Card, functioning as both an ATM and debit card. This card will grant women easy access to their funds while fostering a sense of identity and empowerment.
Financial Assistance
Eligible women will be entitled to receive a total of ₹50,000 over five years, with ₹10,000 distributed annually. This financial support will be provided in two installments of ₹5,000 each, with one installment delivered on Rakhi Purnima and the other on International Women’s Day.
Digital Transactions Incentive
To encourage digital literacy, the government has implemented a rewards program for women who conduct the highest number of digital transactions. 100 women from each Gram Panchayat (GP) or Urban Local Body (ULB) will receive an additional ₹500 as a reward for their participation.
Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)
The scheme ensures that funds are transferred directly into beneficiaries’ Aadhaar-linked bank accounts. This process promotes transparency and significantly reduces the risk of leakage, ensuring that financial support reaches the intended recipients efficiently.
Through these benefits, the Subhadra Yojana aims to create a supportive framework that empowers women, enhances their financial independence, and promotes active participation in the digital economy.
Target Beneficiaries and Coverage
The Subhadra Yojana is specifically designed to support women across all 30 districts of Odisha. The scheme will be operational from 2024-2025 to 2028-2029, aiming to provide assistance to any woman who meets the eligibility criteria.
This comprehensive approach ensures that a wide range of women in the state receive the necessary support, promoting empowerment and enhancing their overall quality of life. By reaching out to women throughout Odisha, the Subhadra Yojana endeavors to create a lasting impact and foster a more inclusive society.
Eligibility Criteria
To benefit from the Subhadra Yojana, women must meet the following criteria:
Residency
Applicants must be residents of Odisha to qualify for the scheme.
Income & Food Security
Eligible women should be covered under either the National Food Security Act (NFSA) or the State Food Security Scheme (SFSS). If they do not qualify under these schemes, their family income must be less than ₹2.50 lakh annually to be considered for assistance.
Age
Applicants must be between 21 and 60 years of age. The scheme will verify eligibility based on the date of birth recorded on the Aadhaar card.
Women who do not meet the age requirements or whose families already receive financial assistance exceeding ₹18,000 annually will be deemed ineligible for the program.
By establishing these criteria, the Subhadra Yojana aims to ensure that the support reaches those who need it the most, fostering empowerment and financial independence among women in Odisha.
Identification of Beneficiaries
Eligible women can apply for the Subhadra Yojana through two convenient methods:
Online Application
Women can submit their applications online via the official Subhadra Yojana portal. This digital approach allows for easy access and submission from the comfort of their homes.
Offline Application
For those who prefer a more traditional method, applications can be completed using printed forms. These forms are available at various local centers, including Anganwadi centers, block offices, and MO Seba Kendras.
Verification Process
Once applications are submitted, the government will verify all entries using its existing database. Additionally, field inquiries may be conducted when necessary to ensure accuracy. Aadhaar card information will play a crucial role in identity verification, helping to prevent any discrepancies and ensuring that the benefits reach the rightful recipients.
This streamlined application process aims to facilitate access for eligible women, ensuring that they can easily avail themselves of the benefits offered by the Subhadra Yojana.
Ensuring Financial Inclusion
A central aspect of the Subhadra Yojana is the promotion of financial inclusion among women. To receive benefits from the scheme, applicants must possess an Aadhaar-linked, single-holder bank account. This requirement ensures that funds are securely transferred and directly accessible.
Assistance for Opening Bank Accounts
If an applicant does not currently have an Aadhaar-linked bank account, the government will offer support in the following ways:
- Account Opening Assistance: The government will help women in opening a new bank account.
- Completing Necessary Formalities: Guidance will be provided to ensure the account is made Aadhaar-enabled and Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)-enabled.
By facilitating the establishment of bank accounts, the Subhadra Yojana aims to empower women financially, enabling them to manage their funds effectively and participate fully in the economy. This initiative not only enhances financial independence but also fosters a sense of ownership and control over personal finances.
Oversight and Evaluation of the Subhadra Yojana
To ensure efficient delivery and effective monitoring of the Subhadra Yojana, a State Level Steering and Monitoring Committee (SLSMC) will be established. This committee will be responsible for:
- Policy Implementation: Overseeing the execution of the scheme to ensure it operates smoothly.
- Progress Monitoring: Regularly assessing the advancement of the program and identifying areas for improvement.
- Addressing Bottlenecks: Tackling any challenges that arise during the implementation process to maintain momentum.
Impact Assessment
In addition to oversight, the government will implement a robust monitoring and evaluation mechanism to track the scheme’s impact and effectiveness. This will involve:
- Gathering data on the outcomes for beneficiaries.
- Evaluating the overall success of the scheme in meeting its goals.
A Vision for Empowerment
The Subhadra Yojana is a comprehensive initiative aimed at empowering women throughout Odisha. By focusing on financial inclusion, personal growth, and entrepreneurship, the scheme aligns with the broader vision of creating a more inclusive and empowered society. Through these efforts, the Subhadra Yojana strives to uplift women, ensuring they play an integral role in their communities and the economy.
