Introduction
The Subhadra Yojana is a scheme introduced to enhance women’s financial independence. Announced during the recent election campaign by the BJP government in Odisha. It promises direct financial support of INR 50,000 to eligible women, aiming to reduce their dependency on family members and develop self-reliance.
The Subhadra Yojana was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his birthday, September 17. This launch initiates the application process, supported by a comprehensive plan for smooth implementation.
The announcement has also been made. As directed by the Hon’ble Chief Minister and under the direct supervision of the Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister, the distribution of application forms for the ‘Subhadra’ scheme has commenced in all districts of Odisha.
Objectives
Key objectives of the Subhadra Yojana include:
- Empower Women Economically: Providing women with the financial means to manage personal and household expenses.
- Election Promises Fulfilled: Reflecting the government’s commitment to women’s welfare.
- Self-Employment Offering: Encouraging women to engage in self-employment and small business initiatives.
- Reducing Economic Gaps: Targeting economically weaker sections to enhance living standards.
- Digital Inclusion: Promoting digital transactions through the issuance of the Subhadra Debit Card.
Advantages
The Subhadra Yojana offers numerous features aimed at transforming the lives of women:
- Financial Assistance: Eligible women will receive INR 10,000 annually over five years, deposited biannually.
- Cash Voucher System: Financial aid is provided as a cash voucher, usable within two years, offering flexibility.
- Support for Independence: The scheme enables women to address personal needs without relying on family support.
- Encouragement of Small Businesses: Financial support can be used to start small businesses or invest in self-employment.
- Subhadra Debit Card: This card facilitates cashless transactions, promoting digital economy integration.
- Incentives for Digital Transactions: To further promote the use of digital payment methods, 100 beneficiaries who actively use digital transactions will receive an additional incentive of INR 500.
Eligibility Criteria
To avail benefits under the Subhadra Yojana; Women must be residents of Odisha,
- Covered under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) or State Food Security Scheme (SFSS), or have a family income not exceeding Rs 2.5 lakh;
- They must be between 21 and 60 years old as of 01.07.2024, with age determined by the Aadhaar card;
- Those turning 21 after this date will receive Rs10,000 per year only for the remaining scheme years, while women turning 60 after this date will not receive further benefits.
Ineligibility Criteria
Women are ineligible for benefits under the Subhadra Yojana:
- If they receive financial assistance of Rs 1,500 per month or Rs 18,000 per annum from any government scheme;
- Are current or former MPs or MLAs;
- Are income tax payers;
- Hold elected positions in urban local bodies or Panchayati Raj (excluding Ward Members/Councillors);
- Are employed as regular or contractual staff in government or public sector roles, or receive pensions (except those receiving honoraria like ASHA or Anganwadi workers if otherwise eligible);
- Are elected/nominated representatives in government entities;
- Own a 4-wheeler motor vehicle (except tractors or light goods vehicles);
- Or if their family owns more than 5 acres of irrigated land or 10 acres of non-irrigated land, as defined by the NFSA/SFSS.
Applicant Checklist
To receive benefits under the SUBHADRA Yojana, eligible women must ensure the following:
- Have an Aadhaar card or Aadhaar number in their name.
- Link their mobile number to their Aadhaar card.
- Maintain a single-holder bank account that is Aadhaar-enabled and DBT-enabled.
If they lack an Aadhaar number or have data mismatches, they must enroll or correct their Aadhaar information. Those without a single-holder Aadhaar-enabled and DBT-enabled bank account will be given the opportunity to:
- Open a single-holder bank account.
- Make the account Aadhaar-enabled.
- Ensure the account is DBT-enabled.
- Complete the e-KYC process.
In FY 2024-25, all beneficiaries will receive the full benefit of ₹10,000 from the scheme’s launch date, regardless of approval date.
Documents Required
Applicants need to provide specific documents, including:
- an Aadhar card for identity.
- bank account details for financial assistance transfer.
- proof of address (such as a Voter ID or Driving License).
- a mobile number for communication.
- a resident certificate for permanent residency in Odisha.
- an email ID for notifications.
- an electricity bill as additional proof of address.
- a passport-size photo for identification.
- an income certificate for economic eligibility.
- a ration card for household income proof.
- age proof (such as a birth certificate).
- and a marriage certificate to verify marital status, as only married women are eligible.
Application Procedure
Eligible women must apply for benefits under the Subhadra Yojana either offline using printed forms or online through the SUBHADRA portal. Free pre-printed forms will be available at Anganwadi Centres, Block Offices, Mo Seba Kendras, and Common Service Centres. Applicants should fill out the form and submit it at the nearest Mo Seba Kendra or Common Service Centre.
In case of discrepancies between the form and Aadhaar, Aadhaar information will be deemed final. Applications will be verified against the government database and may require field inquiries. Applicants must self-certify their eligibility, submit related undertakings, and complete e-KYC, preferably through face-authentication via the SUBHADRA Mobile application.
Beneficiaries can opt out of the scheme to pass benefits to support other women in Odisha through the SUBHADRA Portal.
Conclusion
The Subhadra Yojana marks a transformative step toward economic empowerment for women in Odisha. By providing financial assistance and promoting digital transactions, it seeks to cultivate a self-reliant female population. Women across the state are ready to seize the opportunities this scheme offers, paving the way for greater independence and growth.
FAQs
- What is the Subhadra Yojana? The Subhadra Yojana is a government initiative in Odisha aimed at empowering women by providing financial assistance and promoting self-reliance.
- Who is eligible to apply for the Subhadra Yojana? Women residents of Odisha, aged between 21 and 60 years, covered under NFSA/SFSS, or with a family income not exceeding Rs 2.5 lakh, are eligible to apply.
- What financial support does the scheme provide? Eligible women will receive Rs 10,000 annually over five years, deposited biannually.
- Are there any ineligibility criteria for the scheme? Yes, women who receive certain government financial assistance, are MPs or MLAs, income tax payers, or hold specific government positions are ineligible.
- How can applicants apply for the scheme? Applications can be submitted online through the SUBHADRA portal or offline using printed forms available at designated locations.
- What documents are required for application? Applicants need to provide an Aadhaar card, bank account details, proof of address, and several other documents to verify their eligibility.