Odisha Unveils Subhadra Scheme for Women

• 24 Aug 2024

On 23rd August, 2024, the Government in Odisha has announced the Subhadra scheme, providing Rs. 50,000 over five years to one crore women aged 21 to 60, fulfilling a key poll promise.

• The Subhadra scheme is a flagship initiative of the BJP, which recently came to power by ending Naveen Patnaik’s 24-year rule.
• The scheme will provide ₹10,000 per annum to eligible women, disbursed in two installments on Rakhi Purnima Day and International Women’s Day.
• The total allocation for the Subhadra scheme is ₹55,825 crore, covering the financial years from 2024-25 to 2028-29.
• Payments will be made directly to beneficiaries' Aadhaar-enabled bank accounts through the Aadhaar Payment Bridge System to ensure transparency.
• Beneficiaries will also receive a Subhadra Debit Card for easier access to funds and transactions.
• An additional incentive of ₹500 will be awarded to 100 beneficiaries in each gram panchayat and urban local body for the highest number of digital transactions.
• Women from economically well-off families, government servants, income tax payees, and those receiving substantial benefits from other government schemes are excluded from the Subhadra scheme.