Odisha CM unveils SUBHADRA scheme: Direct payments and digital incentives for women

Bhubaneswar, Aug 23: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi today announced a groundbreaking initiative for women’s empowerment during the Odisha Legislative Assembly session.

The State Cabinet has approved the launch of the SUBHADRA scheme, which aims to transform the lives of over 1 crore women in Odisha. The scheme, set to be implemented from the financial year 2024-25 to 2028-29, has been allocated a substantial outlay of Rs. 55,825 crore.

Under SUBHADRA, eligible women aged between 21 and 60 years will receive Rs. 10,000 annually, distributed in two instalments of Rs. 5,000 each on Rakhi Purnima and International Women's Day (March 8). Over five years, each beneficiary will receive a total of Rs. 50,000.

To ensure transparency, payments will be made directly to beneficiaries’ Aadhaar-enabled bank accounts through the Aadhaar Payment Bridge System (APBS). Beneficiaries will also receive a SUBHADRA Debit Card. To promote digital transactions, an additional incentive of Rs. 500 will be awarded to the top 100 digital transactors in each Gram Panchayat and Urban Local Body.

The scheme is designed to support economically disadvantaged women, excluding those from well-off families, government employees, or high-income tax payees. Women already receiving over Rs. 1,500 per month or Rs. 18,000 annually from other government schemes will also be ineligible.

Applications can be made using forms available at Anganwadi Centres, Block Offices, Mo Seva Kendras, and Jan Seva Kendras. A dedicated Call Centre will be established for SUBHADRA. The Women and Child Development Department will oversee the scheme's implementation and monitoring through a newly established SUBHADRA Society.

Chief Minister Majhi emphasized the government's commitment to 'Antyodaya' and urged active cooperation from the Assembly to ensure the successful rollout of SUBHADRA, ensuring no deserving woman is left out.