22 JAN 2026, Bhubaneswar
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on January 22, 2026, released financial assistance worth ₹315 crore to 4.57 lakh women under the state government’s flagship welfare scheme Subhadra Yojana.
The benefit distribution programme was organised at Krushi Sikshya Sadan on the OUAT campus in Bhubaneswar. The money was transferred directly into the bank accounts of beneficiaries through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system.
Who Benefited From the Payment
The assistance covered:
- Women who had not received one or more earlier instalments
- Women who were newly added to the scheme for the financial year 2025–26
This step was taken to ensure that no eligible woman is left out due to verification or procedural delays.
About the Subhadra Yojana
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Majhi said that Subhadra Yojana is the largest women-focused welfare scheme in Odisha after Independence.
Important features of the scheme include:
- Eligible women: 21 to 60 years of age
- Financial support: ₹10,000 per year
- Payment mode: Two instalments every year
- Duration: Five years
- Total benefit per woman: ₹50,000
- The state government has allocated ₹11,000 crore every year for the smooth implementation of the scheme.
Progress of the Scheme So Far
The Chief Minister informed that:
- More than one crore women have already benefited
- Over ₹15,000 crore has been disbursed till now
- Three instalments have already been released
Every year, instalments are credited on special occasions:
- Raksha Bandhan
- International Women’s Day
The first instalment of the scheme was released on September 17, 2024, after the scheme was officially launched in Bhubaneswar in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Why Subhadra Yojana Matters
CM Majhi said that financial support gives women confidence, independence, and decision-making power. When women become economically strong, families and society also progress.
The scheme mainly focuses on:
- Poor and economically weak women
- Rural and tribal women
- Women from urban poor households
Government’s Focus on Women
The Chief Minister highlighted that the Odisha government has earmarked ₹89,862 crore, nearly 30% of the total state budget, exclusively for women and mothers in the current financial year.
Deputy CM’s Remarks
Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida said the Subhadra Yojana has shown that women can start small businesses and become self-reliant when given proper support. She added that women’s dignity and self-respect are key to building a strong and developed Odisha.
Other Highlights of the Event
- Five successful women beneficiaries were honoured by the Chief Minister
- Several senior officials and public representatives attended the programme