Subhadra Yojana, Objectives, Features, Eligibility Criteria

The Subhadra Yojana is a welfare initiative launched by the State Government of Odisha to provide direct financial support to women from economically weaker sections. The scheme is designed to empower women financially through regular cash transfers, promote digital literacy, and ensure economic independence. The scheme is named after Goddess Subhadra, the sister of Lord Jagannath, the scheme carries cultural significance and resonates emotionally with the people of Odisha, reflecting the state’s rich heritage and devotion.

Subhadra Yojana Objectives

The Subhadra Yojana aims to assist financially the women residing permanently in the state of Odisha. The major objectives of this scheme has been listed below:

• Financial Empowerment: To provide women with direct cash support, enabling them to manage household and personal finances independently.
• Economic Inclusion: To ensure that women from economically weaker sections gain access to government benefits without intermediaries.
  Promotion of Digital Literacy: To encourage the use of digital banking and transactions through incentives.
• Cultural Relevance: To align the scheme with Odisha’s traditions and heritage by naming it after Goddess Subhadra.
• Wider Coverage: To benefit over one crore women across the state by 2028-29.

Subhadra Yojana Features

The major features of the Subhadra Yojana has been listed below:

• Annual Financial Assistance: Women receive ₹10,000 annually in two equal installments of ₹5,000 each. Payments are made on: Rakhi Purnima (August) and International Women’s Day (March 8)
• Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT): Cash is transferred directly to Aadhaar linked bank accounts, ensuring transparency and eliminating intermediaries.
• e-KYC Requirement: All beneficiaries undergo e-KYC to maintain accountability and reduce leakages.
• Subhadra Debit Card: Women are issued a debit card to withdraw cash and make digital transactions conveniently.
• Digital Transaction Incentive: ₹500 is awarded to the top 100 beneficiaries in each gram panchayat or urban local body for maximum digital transactions.
• Implementation Period: The scheme runs over five years (2024-25 to 2028-29) to cover a wide base of beneficiaries.

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Subhadra Yojana Eligibility Criteria

The Candidates must fulfill the below listed requirements so as to be eligible for the Subhadra Yojana Scheme. The major requirements as laid by the Government of Odisha has been given below:

• Gender: Only women are eligible.
• Age: Women between 21 and 60 years.
• Income: Targeted at economically weaker sections; government employees, income tax payees, and those receiving ₹1,500 or more per month from other government schemes are excluded.
• Residency: Must be a resident of Odisha.
• Documentation: Aadhaar-based e-KYC and bank account details are required for enrollment.

Subhadra Yojana Impacts

Subhadra Yojana plays a crucial role in women empowerment by providing financial independence, promoting digital literacy, and encouraging economic participation. Key impacts include:

• Economic Independence: Regular cash transfers allow women to manage personal and household finances confidently.
• Digital Literacy: Incentives for digital transactions encourage women to adopt modern banking and financial practices.
• Social Security: Direct cash support reduces dependency on family members and enhances women’s decision-making power.
• Entrepreneurial Opportunities: Financial assistance can help women invest in small businesses or self-employment ventures.
• Community Development: Empowered women contribute to the socio-economic progress of their families and communities.

Women Empowerment Government Initiatives

The Union Government has launched several schemes to complement state-level initiatives like Subhadra Yojana. This Yojana aligns perfectly with these initiatives, creating a comprehensive ecosystem for women’s socio-economic development. The other initiatives that promote Women Empowerment are:

• Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP): Promotes girl child education and addresses declining child sex ratio.
• Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY): Provides ₹5,000 financial assistance in three installments for first live birth to improve maternal health.
• National Nutrition Mission (POSHAN Abhiyaan): Enhances nutrition for pregnant women, lactating mothers, and children under six.
• Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY): Provides LPG connections to women from BPL households for better health and reduced firewood dependency.
• Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY): Encourages savings for girl children’s education and marriage.
• One Stop Centre Scheme (OSC): Offers medical, legal, psychological support, and temporary shelter for women facing violence.
• Swadhar Greh Scheme: Provides shelter and rehabilitation for widows, domestic violence victims, and trafficking survivors.
• Nirbhaya Fund: Ensures women’s safety in public spaces, transportation, and sets up fast-track courts.
• Support the Training and Employment Program for Women (STEP): Provides skill training for self-employment and financial independence.
• Pradhan Mantri Mahila Shakti Kendra: Promotes grassroots  level women empowerment, digital literacy, and access to government schemes.
• Mahtari Vandana Yojana: It is a similar initiative by Chhattisgarh government which provides ₹1000 monthly financial aid to eligible women who is above the age of 21 years.