Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, on Saturday, disbursed Rs 5,000 each to over 18 lakh women beneficiaries under the Subhadra Yojana during the fourth phase of the scheme’s first installment.
The event, held at Jajpur, was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida and Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling. 
Through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system, a total of approximately Rs 900 crore was transferred to the beneficiaries’ bank accounts. With this phase, the total number of women who have received financial assistance under the scheme has crossed 98 lakh.
Launched by the BJP government in Odisha, the Subhadra Yojana aims to empower women by providing direct financial support.
Chief Minister Majhi emphasized that the scheme is a fulfillment of the government’s promise to strengthen the financial condition of women and contribute to building a prosperous Odisha.
“This initiative is not just about financial assistance; it is about fulfilling the hopes and aspirations of the mothers of our state. By empowering women, we are laying the foundation for a developed Odisha. I am confident that these funds will help beneficiaries start small businesses, improve their economic status, and contribute to the state’s growth,” Majhi said.
The fourth phase of disbursement was initially scheduled for December 25 but was postponed due to an ongoing verification process. Earlier, the third phase of the scheme saw Rs 5,000 being transferred to 20 lakh women beneficiaries on November 24, 2024.
The Subhadra Yojana was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 17, 2024, following the BJP’s victory in the state elections, which ended the 24-year rule of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD).
In the first phase, 25 lakh women received the benefit, while the second phase, held on October 9, covered 39 lakh women.
Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida announced that the second installment of the scheme will be released on March 8, 2025, coinciding with International Women’s Day. She also revealed that the state government aims to include over one crore eligible women aged between 21 and 59 years under the scheme.
The Subhadra Yojana has emerged as a significant step toward women’s empowerment in Odisha, providing them with the financial resources to improve their livelihoods and contribute to the state’s economic development. The government’s commitment to transparency and efficiency is evident in the use of the DBT system, ensuring that funds reach beneficiaries directly without intermediaries.
As the scheme progresses, it is expected to bring transformative changes to the lives of millions of women, fostering economic independence and social empowerment across the state.
