Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Sunday highlighted the growing impact of the Subhadra Yojana, stating that 25% of beneficiaries have used the funds to start businesses, while 35% have utilised it for household needs, during a state-level program in Puri to distribute the fourth installment of the scheme on International Women’s Day.
“Subhadra Yojana has not only empowered women financially but also instilled self-confidence and independence,” said CM Majhi while handing over Rs 5,000 each to 1.12 crore women beneficiaries across Odisha in the fourth phase of the scheme. The total disbursement under this phase amounts to Rs 5,106 crore, including 4,20,854 beneficiaries from Puri district.
The Chief Minister praised beneficiaries who have leveraged the Subhadra assistance to create opportunities in horticulture, poultry farming, bamboo businesses, and other small enterprises, calling them examples of success and resilience. “Women from districts like Angul, Balangir, Bargarh, Bhadrak, and Cuttack are turning this support into sustainable livelihoods,” he added.
According to a survey conducted by IIM Sambalpur, 25.52% of beneficiaries have used the funds to launch businesses, while 35.7% have applied the assistance to meet household expenses. Many women have also utilised the money to repay loans, save, and improve their skills, earning recognition and respect within their families.
CM Majhi emphasised that women will play a pivotal role in achieving a prosperous Odisha by 2036 and a developed India by 2047. “Currently, the state has approximately 17 lakh Lakhpati Didis, and the government aims to create 6 million ‘Lakshapati Didis’ and 1 million ‘Millennium Didis’ by 2047,” he said.
The Chief Minister also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to women’s welfare through schemes such as ‘Mukhyamantri Kanya Vivah Yojana’, ‘Mukhyamantri Kanya Sumangala Yojana’, and ‘Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana’, which support education, health, and economic empowerment.
During the program, CM Majhi released the Subhadra Review Report, a coffee table book of the Women and Child Development Department, and a booklet on child marriage prevention. He also condemned the recent disrespect shown to the President in West Bengal, stating that such acts undermine both the office and the nation, as well as women’s dignity.
Deputy Chief Minister and Women and Child Development Minister Pravati Parida congratulated all beneficiaries, saying, “Thanks to Mother Subhadra, women in Odisha are emerging as a powerful force. The Subhadra Yojana has proven women empowerment in action.” She urged HPV vaccination for all girls aged 14–15 in the state.
Puri MP Sambit Patra lauded Odisha’s unique achievements in women empowerment, particularly in the creation of Lakhpati Didis, and thanked CM Majhi for the initiative.
Also present at the event were Brahmagiri MLA Upasna Mohapatra, Pipili MLA Ashrit Pattanayak, Satyabadi MLA Om Prakash Mishra, and Director of Women and Child Development Department Monisha Banerjee. Ministers participated in district-level programs across the state. The welcome address was delivered by Dr. Mrinalini Darswal, Commissioner and Administrative Secretary of the Women and Child Development Department, while Puri District Collector Dibya Jyoti Parida proposed the vote of thanks.
