09 AUG 2025 | Bhubaneswar
In a beautiful celebration of Raksha Bandhan, Odisha’s government delivered smiles along with financial support and brought joy to over 1 crore women by delivering the third Subhadra Yojana installment. Each beneficiary received the third installment of a delightful ₹5,000, credited each straight directly into their bank accounts turning the festival into a day of empowerment and joy.
But that’s not all! The celebrations were even more special for 246 women from Kotia who had been left out earlier due to technical issues, such as Aadhaar cards from neighboring Andhra Pradesh. Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida ensured that these women received a one-time payment of ₹15,000, covering all three pending installments in one go. That’s thoughtful indeed!
Launched on 17 September 2024, the Subhadra Yojana is Odisha’s landmark women empowerment scheme, offering ₹50,000 in total benefits over five years ₹5,000 twice a year. Its goal is simple yet impactful: to provide consistent financial aid to eligible women aged 21 to 60 years.
Adding to the festive spirit, the government has reopened the scheme portal right after Rakhi, inviting more women to apply. Now, newly eligible women, especially those who have just turned 21 can apply and join the program. However, women above 60 are no longer eligible for enrollment. It’s like Odisha is saying, “Happy Rakhi, and now it’s your turn!”
In a bid to ensure inclusivity, a door-to-door survey will soon be conducted to review the cases of 1.88 lakh women who were previously left out due to technicalities. If found eligible, they too will receive their rightful installment. Additionally, local centers and a mini secretariat are being set up to make services more accessible for women in remote areas.
This Raksha Bandhan, Odisha didn’t just exchange sweets rather it shared financial security and dignity. With over 1 crore women benefitting, the Subhadra Yojana continues to be a shining example of how governance can strengthen social bonds while uplifting communities.