On Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Odisha to launch the Subhadra Yojana, a new welfare scheme for women in the state. The scheme, initiated by the Odisha government, aims to provide financial support to eligible women between the ages of 21 and 60, with a transfer of Rs 10,000 per year. The launch of this scheme coincided with PM Modi’s 74th birthday, and the event took place at Bhubaneswar’s Janata Maidan.
Background and Importance of the Subhadra Yojana
The Subhadra Yojana was introduced to help improve the financial independence of women in Odisha. It was approved by the state cabinet last month and is named after Goddess Subhadra, the younger sister of Lord Jagannath, who is revered in the state. The scheme’s design allows eligible women to receive two installments of Rs 5,000 each year—on Rakhi Purnima and International Women’s Day (March 8)—through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). This initiative will run for five years, from 2024–25 to 2028–29.
How the Subhadra Yojana Works
To be a beneficiary, women must have an Aadhaar-enabled single-holder bank account, and e-KYC is mandatory. Beneficiaries will also receive a Subhadra Debit Card. Additionally, an incentive of Rs 500 will be given to the 100 beneficiaries with the highest number of digital transactions in each gram panchayat and urban local body.
However, women from economically affluent families, income taxpayers, government employees, and those receiving other government aid of Rs 1,500 per month or more will not be eligible for this scheme.
PM Modi’s Visit and Programme Schedule
PM Modi also visited the Sabar Sahi slum in Bhubaneswar, where he interacted with beneficiaries of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban (PMAY-U) and inaugurated houses for the beneficiaries. He spent about 30 minutes there, accompanied by Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi.
At the event, Modi also launched several other initiatives, including Awas + 2024 and laying the foundation for railway projects worth Rs 2,871 crore.
Impact of the Subhadra Yojana on Odisha
The Subhadra Yojana aims to support over one crore women in Odisha. This scheme is expected to have a positive impact on the economic condition of women, especially in rural and underprivileged areas. By offering incentives for digital transactions, it also encourages financial literacy and the adoption of digital banking.
Summary of Key Points
- Subhadra Yojana launched by PM Modi on his 74th birthday in Odisha.
- Rs 10,000 per year will be given to eligible women through Direct Benefit Transfer.
- The scheme runs from 2024–25 to 2028–29 and will benefit over one crore women.
- Only women between 21 to 60 years from lower-income households are eligible.
- PM Modi also inaugurated houses for PMAY-Urban beneficiaries and launched other development projects.
Read more about Subhadra Yojana.
Women aged 21–60 years in Odisha, from lower-income households, are eligible.
Rs 10,000 per year in two installments.
Payments will be made on Rakhi Purnima and International Women’s Day.
Yes, e-KYC is required to participate in the Subhadra Yojana.
PM Modi also launched the Awas + 2024 and laid the foundation stone for railway projects.
