Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government reaffirms its dedication to women’s empowerment and regional development as Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi distributed the third installment of the ‘Subhadra’ scheme in Koraput district today on August 9. This flagship initiative has positively impacted over one crore women across the state by providing financial assistance that enhances family incomes and empowers women to become entrepreneurs.
At the distribution ceremony held in Jaipur, Chief Minister Majhi praised the ‘Subhadra’ scheme for ushering in a new era of progress and transformation for many women. During the event, financial assistance was directly credited to the bank accounts of one crore beneficiaries. The Chief Minister also recognized successful women participants and those who have played vital roles in implementing the program.
In addition to fund distribution, Chief Minister Majhi inaugurated 126 new projects worth over Rs 309 crore and laid the foundation for 436 projects totaling more than Rs 452 crore in Koraput district. These initiatives span crucial sectors such as education, healthcare, infrastructure—including bridges and roads—and tourism development. The total investment of over Rs 762 crore is expected to significantly drive the district’s socio-economic growth.
During his address, the Chief Minister acknowledged the challenges many mothers face when forced to give up their dreams due to financial constraints. He described the ‘Subhadra’ scheme as a beacon of hope for these women, aiming to empower them to become self-reliant and actively contribute to building an Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India). Through this initiative, millions of mothers have launched their own small and medium enterprises and are now expanding their businesses with additional investments.
Chief Minister Majhi also announced a major infrastructure development: the upcoming launch of the Vande Bharat Express, which will connect Jaipur to Bhubaneswar, enhancing regional connectivity and stimulating economic activities. He revealed plans to restart the Jaipur Paper Mill and establish a new college in Jaipur, creating educational and employment opportunities for the local community.
Highlighting the grassroots success of the program, Majhi noted that a significant number of women from the Kotia Gram Panchayat have enrolled in the ‘Subhadra’ scheme. Out of 2,078 applications, 1,797 women received the first installment, 1,795 received the second, and today, 1,783 beneficiaries were credited with the third installment directly to their bank accounts. This direct transfer mechanism showcases the government’s commitment to transparency and effective welfare delivery.
He strongly emphasized that for his government, women’s empowerment is not just a political slogan or a strategy for gaining votes. He criticized the political exploitation of women’s empowerment over the past two decades, calling it an insult to the entire female community. Within its first year, the government has brought a fresh perspective to women’s empowerment, highlighted by the creation of nearly 1.7 million ‘Lakhpati Didis’ (women with substantial savings and assets) across Odisha under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The ‘Subhadra’ scheme includes several components aimed at holistic empowerment. These are Subhadra Plus, focusing on economic empowerment; Subhadra Shakti Mela, which promotes women entrepreneurship; Subhadra Kishori, designed for adolescent girls; Subhadra Sanchay, aimed at encouraging savings; Subhadra Suraksha, ensuring safety; and Subhadra Sakhi, which fosters collective leadership among women.
Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, speaking at the event, stated that the government is not only empowering women financially but also closing gaps in education, skills development, and employment opportunities. He highlighted that thousands of mothers and sisters across Odisha are now using the assistance from the scheme as seed capital to start or expand their businesses, thereby improving their families’ economic conditions. Singh Deo expressed satisfaction with the noticeable increase in women’s confidence over the past year and reiterated the government’s goal of making all women self-reliant.
Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the government’s commitment to enhancing women’s social status by providing the necessary tools, opportunities, and support for their success. She noted that the scheme addresses multiple aspects of women’s lives and strengthens their role in society by promoting leadership and collective growth.
The program began with Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida tying the traditional ‘Subhadra Rakhi’ on the Chief Minister’s wrist, officially inaugurating the ceremony.
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Education and Mass Literacy Minister Nityananda Gand, Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Minister Gokulananda Mallik, Mining and Steel Minister Vibhuti Bhushan Nayak, Navarangpur MP Balbhadra Majhi, and legislators Raghuram Machh, Narsingh Madkami, Gauri Shankar Majhi, Women and Child Development Department Principal Secretary Shubha Sharma, Directorate Chief Monisha Banerjee, and Koraput Collector Manoj Satyavan Mahajan.
Jaipur MLA Tara Prasad Bahinipati welcomed the gathering with a warm speech, while Kotpad MLA Rupu Bhatra offered the vote of thanks.
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