On September 17, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Subhadra scheme in Odisha on his 74th birthday. This yojana aims to support women by providing them with Rs 10,000 each year. The scheme targets women between the ages of 21 and 60, helping them improve their financial situations.
In this we will see the details what the Subhadra scheme is, how it works, how it is financed, the political background, and its significance for the women of Odisha.
Subhadra Scheme
The Subhadra scheme is named after Goddess Subhadra, who is the younger sister of Lord Jagannath, a revered deity in Odisha. The program will provide financial assistance of Rs 10,000 annually to over 1 crore women in the state over the next five years, until 2028-29.
The money will be given in two parts: Rs 5,000 each on Rakhi Purnima (usually in August) and International Women’s Day (March 8). More than 50 lakh women have already signed up for the scheme.
How It Works
The Subhadra scheme will deposit money directly into the beneficiaries’ Aadhaar-enabled bank accounts. To enroll, women must complete an e-KYC process. Each beneficiary will also receive a Subhadra Debit Card. Additionally, the 100 women with the most digital transactions in each area will earn an extra Rs 500.
Women from wealthy families, government employees, and income-tax payers are not eligible for this scheme. Women who already receive assistance of Rs 1,500 or more per month from other government programs will also be excluded.
There is no deadline to register, and the enrollment process will continue until all eligible women are registered.
Financing of the Scheme
The Odisha government has set aside Rs 55,825 crore to fund the Subhadra scheme over five years, from 2024-25 to 2028-29. For the current financial year, Rs 10,000 crore has been allocated.
Officials from the finance department have stated that there will be no financial limitations for this program, indicating a strong commitment to its success.
Political Context
The Subhadra scheme is a key promise made by the BJP during the recent elections, which saw a shift in power after 24 years of BJD rule. Women, especially those in self-help groups organized under the Mission Shakti program, played a significant role in the electoral success of BJD.
To appeal to these voters, the BJP proposed a direct money transfer scheme during their campaign, promising Rs 50,000 to each woman beneficiary. After winning the election, the BJP quickly moved to implement the scheme, making some adjustments to their original promise.
Conclusion
The Subhadra scheme is a crucial initiative for empowering women in Odisha. By providing direct financial assistance, the program aims to improve the lives of many women and support their families. With substantial funding and a focus on enrollment, the scheme has the potential to create positive changes across the state.
The Subhadra scheme is an important step towards empowering women in Odisha. By providing financial assistance directly to women, the government aims to improve their lives and support their families.
With a budget of Rs 55,825 crore over five years, this initiative shows a strong commitment to women’s welfare in the state. As more women enroll in the program, it has the potential to create lasting positive changes in their lives.
FAQs
- What is the Subhadra scheme?
The Subhadra scheme is a financial assistance program that provides Rs 10,000 each year to eligible women aged 21 to 60 in Odisha. - Who is eligible for the scheme?
Women aged 21 to 60 who do not belong to wealthy families, government employees, or income-tax payers can apply. - How will the money be distributed?
The funds will be deposited directly into the beneficiaries’ Aadhaar-enabled bank accounts in two installments. - When will the payments be made?
Payments will be made on Rakhi Purnima and International Women’s Day each year. - Is there a deadline to register for the scheme?
No, there is no registration deadline; the process will continue until all eligible beneficiaries are registered. - How is the scheme funded?
The Odisha government has allocated Rs 55,825 crore for the Subhadra scheme over five years, with Rs 10,000 crore set aside for the current year.