Odisha to deploy ‘Bank Mitras’ to resolve Subhadra Yojana application issues

Bhubaneswar, Nov 25: The Odisha government is planning to deploy 'bank mitras' to assist applicants of the Subhadra Yojana with linking their mobile phone and Aadhaar numbers, as well as ensuring their accounts are DBT-enabled. The Women and Child Development department is currently unable to process around 7.68 lakh applications for financial assistance due to non-compliance, technical difficulties, and delays in field verification.

Although the scheme has successfully disbursed funds to 80.45 lakh beneficiaries, approximately 5.6 lakh verified applications are still pending because they are either not DBT-enabled or lack proper linkage to the applicants' mobile and Aadhaar numbers.

Additionally, 2.08 lakh applications that were rejected due to issues such as land ownership, family members owning a four-wheeler, or having a government employee in the family are still awaiting reverification.

Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida explained that 'bank mitras' will assist over five lakh applicants in resolving issues with their bank accounts. "Bank mitras, who are already attached to bank branches for supporting SHGs, will now help Subhadra applicants. Banks have been instructed to quickly address any procedural issues," Parida told TNIE.

While the state government had promised to reverify 2.67 lakh previously rejected applications with the help of revenue inspectors, only 22% (58,740 women beneficiaries) have been reverified and received assistance. Some applications were rejected due to discrepancies in government records, such as claims of land ownership or sales of paddy in mandis, despite applicants not owning the land. The reverification process is expected to be completed by next month.