On 17th September 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a groundbreaking initiative called Subhadra Yojana in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. This scheme is aimed at providing direct financial assistance to eligible women in Odisha, giving them Rs 10,000 annually in two installments of Rs 5,000 each. It is expected to be India’s largest women-centric financial scheme, with over 1 crore women set to benefit.
What is the Subhadra Yojana and How Does It Work?
The Subhadra Yojana is a five-year scheme designed to provide financial assistance of Rs 50,000 to women over a period from 2024 to 2029. Under this scheme, eligible women will receive Rs 10,000 every year, split into two equal installments. The first installment of Rs 5,000 will be disbursed during the Rakhi Purnima festival each year, and the second installment will be transferred on International Women’s Day, which is celebrated on 8th March.
This Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) method will ensure that the money reaches the women’s bank accounts without any intermediaries. As of now, the first installment has already been credited to the accounts of over 10 lakh women.
Key Features and Benefits of Subhadra Yojana
- Annual Financial Aid: Women will get Rs 10,000 each year for five years, adding up to Rs 50,000.
- Subhadra Card: Beneficiaries will be provided with a Subhadra Card, which will function like an ATM or debit card. It will be used for both identification and financial transactions.
- Digital Transaction Rewards: To encourage digital payments, the top 100 women who perform the most digital transactions in each Gram Panchayat or urban area will receive an extra reward of Rs 500.
Eligibility Criteria for Subhadra Yojana
Not all women will be eligible to apply for this scheme. Here’s a simple breakdown of who qualifies:
- Women between 21 and 60 years of age who are permanent residents of Odisha can apply for this scheme.
- Women who are already receiving Rs 1,500 or more per month from other government schemes are not eligible for the Subhadra Yojana.
Who Cannot Benefit from Subhadra Yojana?
Several groups of women are excluded from this scheme, including:
- Women under 21 years and over 60 years.
- Women who are elected public officials.
- Those already getting more than Rs 1,500 from any other government welfare scheme.
Important Dates for Receiving Installments
For those who are wondering when they will receive the funds, here’s what you need to know:
- The first installment of Rs 5,000 will be transferred on Rakhi Purnima, which will be celebrated on 9th August 2025.
- The second installment will be credited to women’s accounts on 8th March 2025, coinciding with International Women’s Day.
Implementation Across Odisha’s 30 Districts
The Subhadra Yojana will be implemented across all 30 districts of Odisha. The government has ensured that every eligible woman will be able to access the benefits, regardless of whether she lives in rural or urban areas.
How to Apply for Subhadra Yojana: Both Online and Offline Options Available
Women who wish to apply for the Subhadra Yojana can do so in two simple ways—online or offline.
- Online Application: To apply online, visit the official Subhadra Yojana portal. Fill out the required details, and you will be able to submit your application digitally.
- Offline Application: Women can also apply by visiting Anganwadi Centres, Block Offices, Mo Seva Kendras, or Common Service Centres (CSC). The forms are free and can be collected and submitted at these centres.
What Documents Are Needed?
When applying for Subhadra Yojana, you need to have the following documents ready:
- Aadhar card
- Mobile number linked to Aadhar
- Aadhaar-enabled and DBT-enabled bank account
Promoting Digital Transactions in Rural and Urban Areas
The government is actively promoting digital transactions through this scheme. Women who participate in digital payments stand a chance to earn extra rewards. The top 100 women in each village or town who make the most digital payments will receive Rs 500 as a reward.
This initiative aims to encourage more women to become familiar with digital banking and online transactions, contributing to the government’s larger goal of financial inclusion.
Subhadra Card: More Than Just Financial Aid
One of the unique aspects of this scheme is the Subhadra Card, which acts as both an identification tool and a debit card. Women can use it to withdraw the amount they receive under the scheme and for other banking transactions. This card is designed to make financial transactions easier for women, especially those in rural areas who might not have easy access to banks.
By ensuring that financial aid reaches every eligible woman in Odisha, the Subhadra Yojana marks a significant step in promoting women’s financial independence across the state.
