Biannual Assistance of Subhadra Yojana Relieves Financial Burden of Odia Women
Ananya Podder | IIMC Dhenkanal | Sep 29, 2025, 11:45 IST
In a significant move towards gender equity, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Subhadra Yojana on September 17, 2024. Aiming to uplift women in Odisha, this financial scheme allocates 10,000 rupees annually in two segments to eligible women aged 21 to 60, reaching a total of 50,000 rupees over five years.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked his birthday by introducing the resolute Subhadra Yojana on September 17, 2024–a significant step towards women's financial empowerment. Announced as an initiative of the BJP government, the scheme aims to offer direct economic support to women across Odisha.
In the district of Dhenkanal, the Subhadra Yojana is already making its impact felt. Government workers at the local Social Welfare Office report that several women have received up to three installments. “They can use the money to invest in their business, care for their children or buy sewing supplies,” said Babita Behra, a Social Welfare Program Officer in Dhenkanal.
Under the Subhadra Yojana, eligible women receive ₹10,000 annually in two equal installments—one on Rakhi Purnima and the other on International Women’s Day. These disbursements of ₹5,000 each are intended to ease household burdens, promote financial independence and empower women through increased control over their finances.
![a working woman]()
The scheme is being implemented by the Women and Child Development Department of the Odisha government. It targets women aged 21 to 60, with a vision to provide ₹50,000 over five years—from fiscal year 2024-25 through 2028-29. Alongside financial aid, the program also promotes digital literacy and broader empowerment initiatives for women.
The real-life impact of the scheme, however, varies. Ranjuka Mahapatra, 37, a small business owner, expressed satisfaction. “The scheme has helped support my shop,” she said, noting that she has received ₹10,000 annually through three separate payments. She has used the funds to grow her local business.
On the other hand, Ginny Nayak, 46, reported delays in disbursement. She has only received one installment so far, which she has saved in her bank account. Her experience highlights implementation gaps in certain areas.
Despite such inconsistencies, the Subhadra Yojana is being seen as a promising initiative. It represents a larger vision of inclusive development, targeting women’s economic participation as a lever for broader social change in Odisha. As the scheme progresses, its true impact will likely become more evident.
In the district of Dhenkanal, the Subhadra Yojana is already making its impact felt. Government workers at the local Social Welfare Office report that several women have received up to three installments. “They can use the money to invest in their business, care for their children or buy sewing supplies,” said Babita Behra, a Social Welfare Program Officer in Dhenkanal.
Under the Subhadra Yojana, eligible women receive ₹10,000 annually in two equal installments—one on Rakhi Purnima and the other on International Women’s Day. These disbursements of ₹5,000 each are intended to ease household burdens, promote financial independence and empower women through increased control over their finances.
a working woman
The real-life impact of the scheme, however, varies. Ranjuka Mahapatra, 37, a small business owner, expressed satisfaction. “The scheme has helped support my shop,” she said, noting that she has received ₹10,000 annually through three separate payments. She has used the funds to grow her local business.
On the other hand, Ginny Nayak, 46, reported delays in disbursement. She has only received one installment so far, which she has saved in her bank account. Her experience highlights implementation gaps in certain areas.
Despite such inconsistencies, the Subhadra Yojana is being seen as a promising initiative. It represents a larger vision of inclusive development, targeting women’s economic participation as a lever for broader social change in Odisha. As the scheme progresses, its true impact will likely become more evident.