In a move set to transform the landscape of women’s empowerment in Odisha, Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi on Saturday flagged off the ‘Subhadra Awareness Van’ in Bhubaneswar. This initiative is part of the state’s broader effort to inform and engage women across Odisha about the forthcoming Subhadra Yojana, a landmark scheme designed to financially uplift over 1 crore women. The scheme is slated for an official launch on September 17, coinciding with the birthday of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The event was attended by key political figures, including Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Women and Child Development Pravati Parida. Together, they highlighted the importance of the Subhadra Yojana, which aims to provide financial assistance to women and promote their economic independence.
Speaking at the event, CM Majhi emphasized, “The Subhadra scheme will empower the women of Odisha, helping them become financially secure. On the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi, we are launching the ‘Subhadra Awareness Rath,’ which will travel across Odisha to raise awareness about this life-changing initiative.”
Subhadra Yojana: A Game Changer for Women in Odisha
The Subhadra Yojana, which has a significant budget allocation of Rs 10,000 crore, aims to distribute funds to over 1.5 crore women across the state. Deputy CM Pravati Parida, who earlier launched the Subhadra Yojana portal, reiterated the importance of the initiative, stating, “This scheme is a major step forward in women’s empowerment in Odisha. Beneficiaries can now apply online, making the process seamless and transparent.”
Under the scheme, each eligible woman will receive Rs 50,000, a substantial sum that will help meet the financial needs of households and promote women’s entrepreneurial aspirations. A comprehensive standard operating procedure is in place to ensure the efficient distribution of funds.
CM Majhi, addressing the importance of the scheme in the state’s Assembly earlier, had noted, “Women make up 50 percent of Odisha’s population, and no meaningful development can be achieved without addressing their needs. The Subhadra Yojana is our answer to empowering the women of Odisha, and it is through their empowerment that we will achieve holistic growth.”
BJP’s Commitment to Odisha’s Future
Chief Minister Majhi further emphasized that the Subhadra Yojana is part of the BJP government’s broader commitment to fulfilling the aspirations of Odisha’s 4.5 crore people. “We are committed to making Odisha a state where every individual’s dreams are realized, and this begins with empowering our women,” he said.
The Chief Minister also reaffirmed his government’s dedication to preserving and promoting Odia culture. He highlighted the creation of a Rs 200 crore corpus fund aimed at protecting the state’s cultural heritage, a key initiative that the government has actively pursued from the beginning of its term.
Looking Ahead: September 17 Launch with PM Modi
The official launch of the Subhadra Yojana will take place on September 17, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi attending the event. This significant occasion is expected to draw nationwide attention as Odisha sets a new standard for women’s welfare schemes under the leadership of CM Majhi.
With the launch of the ‘Subhadra Awareness Van’ and the preparations for the scheme’s rollout in full swing, Odisha is set to witness a transformational moment in women’s empowerment. As the awareness van embarks on its journey across the state, it carries with it the promise of a brighter, more equitable future for millions of women.
Prasanta Patnaik