Odisha modifies Subhadra Yojana guidelines to expand beneficiary base

Bhubaneswar, Oct 23: The Odisha Cabinet convened today and approved several modifications to the Subhadra scheme guidelines. One significant change involves allowing deviations from the exclusion criteria for applicants listed in the National Food Security Act (NFSA) and State Food Security Scheme (SFSS) databases. This decision was made based on justifications provided and a list of eligible beneficiaries submitted by the Odisha State Child Protection Society (OCAC).

Additionally, the Cabinet has sanctioned the use of Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) as a new method for delivering financial assistance under the Subhadra scheme. However, it was decided that ATM-cum-debit cards would not be issued to beneficiaries of the program.

To improve verification processes, the Cabinet resolved to temporarily delink the portal from the Aadhaar e-KYC module from September 8 to September 13, 2024. During this period, electronic Know-Your-Customer (e-KYC) verifications will be carried out using alternative databases, including NFSA and PM KISAN.

The Cabinet also amended the Subhadra guidelines to allow for the inclusion of two non-official Civil Society representatives in the Block/Urban Local Body Level Scrutiny Committee (BLSC/ULSC), with these representatives to be nominated by the respective chairpersons of the committees.