Bhubaneswar: Union Minister for Women and Child Development, Annapurna Devi, on Wednesday appreciated the Odisha Government’s flagship Subhadra Yojana, saying direct transfer of benefits to women’s bank accounts ensures their financial independence and empowerment.
Speaking at a high-level review meeting on the progress of various schemes of the Women and Child Development (WCD) Department, the Union Minister also urged the state to organise ‘Tithi Bhojan’ in Anganwadi centres and observe Poshan Diwas and Poshan Week to strengthen nutrition initiatives. She highlighted that coordinated efforts between the government and citizens can play a crucial role in eliminating malnutrition in the state.
Deputy Chief Minister and WCD Minister, Pravati Parida, who chaired the session, said that comprehensive empowerment of women and a safe future for children remain the State Government’s top priorities. She announced that the fourth installment of the Subhadra scheme will be credited to beneficiaries’ accounts on International Women’s Day, March 8, and emphasised that the department is working to ensure timely and transparent disbursement.
The meeting reviewed programmes aimed at holistic development of women and children across three core areas — nutrition, protection, and education. Officials provided updates on key schemes including Mission Vatsalya, Ashirbad, Jashoda, and Beti Bachao Beti Padhao. Special focus was placed on tackling challenges such as implementation of schemes in remote and tribal areas, malnutrition, and child marriage through targeted campaigns.
Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the WCD Department, Dr. Mrinalini Darswal, Director Monisha Banerjee, and other senior officials also attended the meeting. Officials said the review provides new direction towards ensuring a healthier and more secure future for women and children in Odisha.
