Introduction
In India, women empowerment has always been a focal point for achieving inclusive growth. Subhadra Yojana, named after Subhadra, the courageous sister of Lord Krishna and an epitome of strength and grace in Indian mythology, is a visionary scheme introduced by the government. This initiative aims to uplift women through targeted interventions in education, healthcare, financial independence, and skill development.
Objectives of Subhadra Yojana
- Promoting Financial Independence:
Encourage women to participate in entrepreneurial activities by providing financial support, low-interest loans, and business development training. - Enhancing Education:
Ensure every girl child has access to quality education by providing scholarships, free study material, and infrastructure support. - Strengthening Healthcare:
Focus on maternal and child health by offering free medical checkups, nutritional supplements, and specialized care during pregnancy. - Skill Development:
Equip women with skills in various trades through training programs, enabling them to secure employment or start their ventures. - Safety and Security:
Establish dedicated helplines, women-centric police stations, and community awareness campaigns to ensure safety in public and private spaces.
Key Features of Subhadra Yojana
- Financial Assistance for Women Entrepreneurs:
The scheme provides subsidies and grants for women starting their businesses, with a focus on rural areas. - Skill Training Hubs:
Centers offering training in tailoring, IT skills, handicrafts, and modern-day skills to create employment-ready individuals. - Healthcare Camps:
Regular camps in rural and underserved areas to address health issues and provide free medicines and consultations. - Education Incentives:
Scholarships for meritorious students and stipends for families to encourage girls’ education. - Community Support Networks:
Formation of self-help groups (SHGs) to foster collective growth and mutual support among women.
Impact of Subhadra Yojana
- Economic Growth:
By empowering women to participate in the workforce and start businesses, the scheme significantly contributes to economic development. - Social Transformation:
The focus on education and safety ensures that women feel valued and respected, leading to a more equitable society. - Improved Health Indicators:
The initiative addresses critical healthcare challenges, reducing maternal and infant mortality rates. - Enhanced Livelihood Opportunities:
Skill training and entrepreneurship support allow women to explore new career paths and achieve financial independence.
Challenges and the Way Forward
While Subhadra Yojana has achieved remarkable milestones, challenges such as societal norms, lack of awareness, and limited resources in remote areas persist. To overcome these, it is vital to:
Increase awareness campaigns to ensure every eligible woman benefits from the scheme.
Subhadra Yojana Fourth Payment Set for December 25
Strengthen partnerships with NGOs and local bodies.
Invest in technology for better implementation and monitoring.
The Odisha government has stated that the fourth phase of the first payment for the Subhadra Yojana will be available on December 25. The Women and Child Development (W&CD) Department stated that approximately 15 lakh women are expected to receive the initial funds from this scheme on that date. According to a statement from the Department, a total of 1,05,36,612 women are registered for the Subhadra Yojana on December 1. So far, the state government has provided the first payment of ₹5,000 to about 80 lakh eligible women in three separate phases.
The BJP government announced that the final phase of this first payment under the Subhadra scheme will be transferred to Beneficiaries’ bank accounts on March 7 next year. Beneficiaries of the Subhadra Yojana will receive ₹10,000 in one year split into two payments. one is on Raksha Bandhan and another is International Women’s Day (March 8). This program will run from 24-25 to 2028-29 and is expected to assist more than one crore women aged between 21 and 60.
This installment is part of the initial payment under the scheme. The verification process for sending the fourth installment of money is ongoing. The Public Relations Department gives this information. The list of eligible and ineligible people for sending this installment of Subhadra money will be published by December 6th. After this, objections will be accepted for another 7 days.
By the third phase, the first installment of Rs 5,000 has been paid to more than 80 lakh beneficiaries in the state. As of December 1, a total of 1 crore 5 lakh 36 thousand 612 women have applied for Subhadra Yojana. The progress of the verification process is reviewed by Development Commissioner Anu Garg, along with Shubha Sharma, the Principal Secretary of the Women and Child Development Department. They assessed the progress of the entire verification procedure for the Subhadra Yojana. The meeting reviewed the progress of the work of the field teams formed to verify the Subhadra applications.
