Bhubaneswar: Odisha has secured the second position nationwide in implementing the Lakhpati Didi Scheme, with the state already creating 5 lakh Lakhpati Didis as part of its ambitious women’s empowerment agenda. Announcing this achievement, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi reaffirmed his government’s commitment to economic independence for women, setting a target to create 25 lakh Lakhpati Didis by 2027.
Speaking at a grand event in Ambapua, Berhampur, in Ganjam district, the Chief Minister also disbursed the second installment of the Subhadra Yojana to 1 crore 64 thousand women in the state. He highlighted that, within just 9 months of assuming office, his government has successfully rolled out multiple women-centric initiatives to ensure their financial security.
“The previous government only spoke of women’s empowerment for 24 years, but in just 9 months, we have taken concrete steps that have changed the lives of over 1 crore women in Odisha,” said the Chief Minister. He termed today’s milestone a “Subhadra Revolution”, emphasizing that the Subhadra Yojana is not just about financial assistance but a comprehensive movement for women’s economic upliftment.
The Chief Minister pointed out that under Subhadra Yojana, each beneficiary receives ₹10,000 in two installments, ensuring direct financial aid to women across the state. He took a strong stance against critics of the government’s performance, stating, “What others could not achieve in 24 years, we have accomplished in just 9 months.”
He also announced new schemes aimed at funding the marriages of daughters from poor families and facilitating free Jagannath temple visits for underprivileged devotees.
The Chief Minister issued a stern warning against crimes and violence against women, declaring that perpetrators “have no place in a civilized society and should remain behind bars.” He directed officials to ensure strict enforcement of laws to curb such incidents.
Apart from women’s empowerment initiatives, the Chief Minister launched developmental projects worth ₹638 crore in Ganjam district. These include foundation laying for projects worth ₹493 crore and inauguration of completed projects worth ₹145 crore, covering water supply schemes, road improvements, bridge construction, healthcare center establishments, and in-stream storage projects.
Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, addressing the gathering, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to women’s empowerment, stating that over 1 crore women have already benefited from the Subhadra Yojana within just 8 months. She emphasized that the government will continue working towards financial and social upliftment of women in Odisha.
The event saw the presence of key ministers, including Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan, Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Minister Gokulananda Mallik, Commerce and Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena, Berhampur MP Pradeep Panigrahi, Aska MP Anita Subhadarshini, and MLAs from Ganjam district.
