Championing Women

With Subhadra Yojana and the rise of over 16 lakh Lakhpati Didis, the Majhi government is empowering women as the architects of Odisha's social and economic transformation

- SUKANYA DAS

A quiet revolution is underway in Odisha. Unlike the flashy declarations or headline-chasing reforms seen elsewhere, this one is rooted in direct benefit transfers, digital inclusion, self-help group mobilisations and focused support systems for women. At its centre stands the Subhadra Yojana, Odisha's largest women-centric welfare programme. With over ₹10,000 crore disbursed to more than 1 crore beneficiaries already, and a broader umbrella of policies taking shape, the Majhi government has made one thing clear: the future of Odisha will be built by its women.

The Subhadra Model Launched in September 2024, Subhadra Yojana delivers ₹50,000 to eligible women over five years — ₹10,000 annually, paid in two tranches aligned with Raksha Bandhan and International Women's Day. This strategic timing is not just symbolic. It reflects the dual intention of cultural celebration and financial agency. Targeted at women aged 21-60 from households earning less than ₹2.5 lakh per annum, the scheme promotes inclusion through its seamless application criteria.

The government's use of Aadhaar-linked bank accounts for Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT) has ensured transparent, leak-proof disbursals. By March 8, 2025, ₹5,000 crore had already been credited to the accounts of 1.18 crore women — a remarkable execution timeline for a programme of this scale.