On International Women’s Day, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi disbursed over Rs 5,000 crore as the second instalment of the Subhadra Yojana, benefiting 1.18 crore women across the state. The event, held at Ambapua in Berhampur city, saw Rs 5,000 credited directly to each beneficiary’s bank account, building on the first instalment distributed in five phases over the past seven months. Launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his birthday, September 17, 2024, this flagship scheme aims to empower women financially over five years.

The Subhadra Yojana targets women aged 21 to 60, offering Rs 50,000 in financial assistance from 2024-25 to 2028-29 to foster independence and self-reliance. Saturday’s disbursement follows a recent payout of Rs 117 crore to 2.30 lakh new beneficiaries under the fifth phase of the first instalment, completed on Thursday. With a total projected cost of Rs 55,825 crore, the state has already earmarked Rs 10,145 crore for the 2025-26 fiscal year, reflecting its commitment to the initiative. The third instalment is slated for release during the upcoming Raksha Bandhan festival, ensuring continued support.

Majhi’s administration has positioned the scheme as a transformative step for Odisha’s women, aligning with the broader vision of economic empowerment. The timing of the second instalment on Women’s Day underscored its symbolic weight, celebrating the beneficiaries as drivers of progress. Since its inception, the Yojana has reached millions, with each phase expanding its reach and reinforcing its goal of financial inclusion. As the state gears up for future disbursements, the Subhadra Yojana stands as a testament to Odisha’s efforts to uplift women, blending policy ambition with tangible grassroots impact.