The Odisha Subhadra Yojana is a groundbreaking initiative launched by the Odisha government to empower and make women self-reliant. Named after Subhadra, a symbol of strength and resilience, this scheme aims to provide financial assistance to economically weaker women across the state. On August 23, 2023, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi approved the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for implementing this transformative scheme in the Odisha Legislative Assembly. The scheme is set to be rolled out from the fiscal year 2024-25 and will continue until 2028-29.
Objective of Subhadra Yojana: Empowering Women Financially
The primary goal of the Subhadra Yojana is to empower women from economically disadvantaged backgrounds by providing them with financial support. Under this scheme, eligible women will receive an annual financial assistance of ₹10,000, disbursed in two installments. This support aims to uplift the women of Odisha by enabling them to meet their daily needs independently and improve their socio-economic status.
Eligibility Criteria for Subhadra Yojana 2024
To ensure that the benefits of the Subhadra Yojana reach those who genuinely need financial assistance, the Odisha government has established clear eligibility criteria. Women must meet the following requirements to be eligible for the scheme:
- The applicant must be a permanent resident of Odisha.
- The scheme is open to economically weaker women, specifically those from families with low incomes.
- Only married women between the ages of 21 and 60 are eligible to apply.
- Only one woman from each family can benefit from the scheme.
- Government employees and income tax payers are not eligible for the scheme.
- Women already receiving financial assistance of ₹1,500 or more per month or ₹18,000 annually from other government schemes are not eligible.
- The applicant’s bank account must be linked with their Aadhaar card.
Financial Support Structure: Annual Assistance of ₹10,000
The Odisha government has designed the Subhadra Yojana to provide financial support to over one crore women across the state. The assistance will be provided in two installments every year:
- First Installment: ₹5,000 will be credited to the beneficiary’s bank account on Raksha Bandhan.
- Second Installment: Another ₹5,000 will be credited on International Women’s Day, March 8th.
Over the course of five years, beneficiaries will receive a total of ₹50,000, which will be directly transferred to their bank accounts. This financial support aims to help women lead independent lives and improve their economic standing.
Implementation and Monitoring: Role of the Women and Child Development Department
The effective implementation and monitoring of the Subhadra Yojana will be managed by the Women and Child Development Department. A dedicated Subhadra Committee will be established to oversee the scheme’s execution, ensuring that the benefits reach the intended recipients smoothly and efficiently.
Budget Allocation: A Commitment to Women’s Empowerment
To ensure the successful implementation of the Subhadra Yojana, the Odisha government has allocated a substantial budget of ₹55,825 crores for the scheme’s five-year duration from 2024-25 to 2028-29. This financial commitment underscores the state’s dedication to the welfare and empowerment of women, aiming to transform the lives of over one crore women in Odisha.
Promoting Digital Transactions: Incentives Under Subhadra Yojana
In addition to financial assistance, the Odisha government will issue Subhadra Debit Cards to beneficiaries, encouraging digital transactions. To further promote this initiative, the government will identify the top 100 beneficiaries in each Gram Panchayat and Urban Local Body who conduct the most digital transactions. These selected beneficiaries will receive an additional incentive of ₹500.
How to Apply for Subhadra Yojana 2024
The application process for the Subhadra Yojana is designed to be accessible to all eligible women across the state. Free application forms will be made available at Anganwadi centers, block offices, service centers, and public service centers. Here’s how to apply:
- Visit the Nearest Center: Eligible women should visit their nearest Anganwadi center, block office, or service center.
- Obtain the Application Form: Collect the free application form for the Subhadra Yojana.
- Fill Out the Form: Carefully fill out the application form with all the required details.
- Attach Necessary Documents: Attach the necessary documents, such as Aadhaar card, residence proof, age proof, marriage certificate, ration card, mobile number, passport-sized photos, and bank account passbook.
- Submit the Form: Submit the completed application form along with the attached documents at the same center where it was obtained.
- Receive a Receipt: Upon submission, a receipt will be provided. Keep this receipt safe for future reference.
The submitted application forms will be reviewed by the relevant authorities, and upon approval, the financial assistance will be credited to the beneficiary’s bank account.
Benefits and Features of Subhadra Yojana SOP 2024
- Targeted Age Group: The scheme is available to women aged 21-60 years.
- Duration: The scheme will be implemented from 2024-25 to 2028-29.
- Annual Financial Assistance: Beneficiaries will receive ₹10,000 annually, totaling ₹50,000 over five years.
- Direct Bank Transfer: The financial assistance will be directly transferred to the beneficiary’s bank account.
- Comprehensive Budget: The state government has allocated ₹55,825 crores for the scheme’s duration.
- Widespread Impact: The scheme is expected to benefit over one crore women in Odisha, significantly improving their lives.
FAQs about Subhadra Yojana SOP 2024
When was the Subhadra Yojana SOP approved?
The Subhadra Yojana SOP was approved by the Odisha Cabinet on August 23, 2023, and it will be implemented from 2024-25 to 2028-29.
What is the Subhadra Yojana Odisha?
The Subhadra Yojana is a financial assistance scheme for economically weaker women in Odisha, providing ₹10,000 annually in two installments.
What is the age criteria for Subhadra Yojana?
The scheme is open to women aged 21-60 years.
What is the budget for the Subhadra Yojana SOP?
The Odisha government has allocated ₹55,825 crores for the scheme’s implementation.
Conclusion
The Odisha Subhadra Yojana SOP 2024 is a significant step towards empowering women in the state by providing them with the necessary financial assistance to lead independent and dignified lives. With a well-structured implementation plan and a substantial budget allocation, this scheme is poised to make a meaningful impact on the lives of millions of women in Odisha.