Bhubaneswar: In a unique effort to connect directly with women beneficiaries of the Subhadra Yojana, Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida held a virtual interaction today with Subhadra Bhauni (Subhadra sisters) from across Odisha.
The programme was conducted at the Departmental Conference Hall under the aegis of the Department of Women & Child Development.
During the interaction, the Deputy Chief Minister emphasised the growing impact of rural digitalisation and women’s economic empowerment through the Subhadra platform. She highlighted that women in Odisha are increasingly supporting one another through a structured, value-added chain of cooperation, fostering collective growth and self-reliance.
Parida reiterated that the core objective of the Subhadra Yojana is to make women economically self-sufficient. She noted that many women are now pursuing their dreams through this initiative. To further enhance the scheme’s effectiveness, she invited beneficiaries to write directly to her or to the Department with thoughtful suggestions.
In her address, the Deputy Chief Minister engaged in conversations with several successful beneficiaries from different districts, who shared their entrepreneurial journeys. Among them:
- Merry Harijan from Malkangiri, who has taken up tailoring work with support from Subhadra Yojana.
- Saraswati Jena from Balasore, who has expanded her beauty parlour with assistance from the scheme.
- Mamta Pattnayak from Khurda, who has started working on Chandua (appliqué) craft.
- Pramila Tandi from Balangir, who is actively engaged in handloom saree weaving.
Additionally, some women are cultivating mushrooms, while others are running small tiffin stalls to support their families.
These stories exemplify how Subhadra beneficiaries are not only achieving financial independence but also contributing meaningfully to their families’ well-being through entrepreneurial initiatives.
The session was attended by senior officials, including Shubha Sharma, Principal Secretary of the Department of Women & Child Development; Departmental Director Monisha Banerjee; and other senior officers of the department.
The Deputy Chief Minister concluded the session with a call for continued collaboration and innovation, encouraging all stakeholders to work together to strengthen the impact of the Subhadra Yojana.
