On the occasion of his 74th birthday, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will visit Bhubaneswar today to launch the much-anticipated Subhadra Yojana, a landmark initiative aimed at promoting the economic independence and well-being of over one crore women in Odisha. The scheme, which promises to provide financial assistance to women beneficiaries, is set to be a game-changer in the state’s political and social landscape.
PM Modi will arrive in Bhubaneswar at noon to formally launch the scheme at a grand event at Janata Maidan, organized by the state’s BJP-led government under Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi. Thousands of women from across Odisha have gathered for the event, underscoring the scheme’s massive appeal. To ensure maximum reach, plans have been made to broadcast the PM’s speech live at the panchayat and block levels across the state.
The Subhadra Yojana is named after Goddess Subhadra, the younger sister of Lord Jagannath, a deeply revered deity in Odisha. With its symbolic roots in Odia culture, the scheme is set to financially empower women across the state, providing each beneficiary Rs 10,000 annually for five years. The funds will be disbursed in two installments of Rs 5,000, timed with Raksha Bandhan in August and International Women’s Day in March.
Empowering Odisha’s Women
During the launch event, Chief Minister Majhi spoke about the scheme’s transformative potential: “The Subhadra Yojana is more than just a financial aid program—it is a path to empowerment for the women of Odisha. This initiative will help secure the financial independence of over one crore women and lay the foundation for a prosperous future for their families.”
Deputy Chief Minister Smt. Pravati Parida, who also serves as the Minister for Women and Child Development, echoed the CM’s sentiments. She emphasized the scheme’s long-term vision: “By providing direct financial assistance, the Subhadra Yojana ensures that women have the resources they need to thrive economically. This scheme will not only provide income support but also boost their role in society.”
More than 60 lakh women have already registered for the program, with the first disbursement of Rs 5,000 set to be deposited into beneficiaries’ accounts this week. The funds will be directly transferred into single-holder bank accounts linked with Aadhaar, ensuring transparency and efficiency.
In addition, an innovative aspect of the scheme includes the introduction of a Subhadra Debit Card. Women who carry out the most digital transactions in their panchayat or urban area will be awarded an additional Rs 500 incentive, promoting financial literacy and digital inclusion.
A Game-Changer for BJP in Odisha
The Subhadra Yojana is a critical component of the BJP’s strategy to consolidate its electoral base in Odisha. The scheme was a key campaign promise leading to the party’s sweeping victory in the state, where it won 20 out of 21 Lok Sabha seats, ending the BJD’s 24-year dominance.
For decades, women played a pivotal role in the electoral success of the BJD, particularly through the Mission Shakti program, which created a strong network of women’s self-help groups (WSHGs). Recognizing the significance of this demographic, the BJP designed the Subhadra Yojana to directly address the financial needs of women, positioning the party as a champion of women’s empowerment.
By focusing on direct benefit transfers (DBT), the BJP aims to outmaneuver the BJD’s traditional approach and capture the support of Odisha’s women voters. The launch of the scheme today marks the fulfillment of a promise the BJP made during its campaign—a promise to deliver Rs 50,000 in financial aid over five years to eligible women.
Funding the Future
The Odisha government has committed to funding the Subhadra Yojana for the next five years, with a budget allocation of Rs 55,825 crore. For the current fiscal year alone, Rs 10,000 crore has been set aside to cover the first phase of implementation.
State Finance Department officials have confirmed that the scheme is a top priority, with no financial constraints anticipated in its execution. The government is keen to maintain a consistent focus on women’s empowerment, and the success of the Subhadra Yojana is expected to catalyze further initiatives that prioritize social welfare and gender equity.
Comparing Women-Centric Initiatives
The Subhadra Yojana joins a growing list of women-centric programs across India aimed at enhancing economic independence. It draws comparisons to schemes like the Mukhyamantri Ladki Bahin in Maharashtra and Ladli Behna Yojana in Madhya Pradesh, which also focus on providing financial assistance to women from low-income backgrounds.
In Madhya Pradesh, for instance, women receive Rs 1,250 per month under the Ladli Behna scheme. Similarly, Maharashtra’s Ladki Bahin initiative provides Rs 1,500 per month to eligible women. However, Odisha’s Subhadra Yojana stands out due to its broader reach, with over one crore women beneficiaries, and the significant financial support it offers.
As Odisha rolls out this ambitious scheme, the state’s political dynamics will likely shift, with the BJP poised to strengthen its influence among women voters. With PM Modi’s launch of the Subhadra Yojana, the stage is set for a new era of women’s empowerment in Odisha, furthering the BJP’s mission of inclusive growth and development.