Bhubaneswar, 08 March (H.S.): Marking the occasion of International Women's Day, Mohan Charan Majhi, Chief Minister of Odisha, on Saturday released the fourth installment of financial assistance under the Subhadra Yojana during a state-level programme held in Puri. In this phase, more than 1.12 crore women beneficiaries received financial assistance directly in their bank accounts.

A total amount of ₹5,106.33 crore was transferred to 1,12,12,665 beneficiaries, with each woman receiving ₹5,000 as part of the scheme aimed at strengthening women's economic independence. Among them, 4,20,854 beneficiaries are from Puri district alone.

Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Majhi said that within just one and a half years, the Subhadra Yojana has emerged as a powerful messenger of socio-economic transformation for women in the state. He expressed confidence that more women would join this journey of empowerment in the coming years.

Extending greetings to the women present at the event on the occasion of International Women’s Day, the Chief Minister highlighted that the scheme has played a vital role in empowering women across Odisha. According to him, the initiative has not only provided financial assistance but has also given women a distinct identity and confidence to pursue economic activities independently.

“The Subhadra Yojana has become an important source of confidence and self-reliance for women in Odisha,” Majhi said, adding that the programme reflects the state government’s commitment to strengthening the role of women in the social and economic development of the state.

Praising the success stories of women beneficiaries, he said many women across various districts have utilized the financial assistance to start small enterprises and livelihood activities. Several beneficiaries have successfully ventured into mushroom cultivation, poultry farming, bamboo-based businesses and other small-scale entrepreneurial activities, thereby creating sustainable sources of income for their families.

The Chief Minister also referred to findings from a survey conducted by Indian Institute of Management Sambalpur. According to the survey report, 25.52 percent of beneficiaries used the Subhadra assistance to start business activities, while 35.7 percent utilized the funds for household needs. In addition, many women used the financial support to repay loans, increase savings and invest in skill development, which has helped them gain greater respect and recognition within their families and communities.

Majhi further emphasized that women will play a crucial role in achieving the state’s long-term development goals. He said Odisha is working towards building a “Samruddha Odisha” by 2036 and contributing to the vision of “Viksit Bharat” by 2047, and women will be at the forefront of this transformation.

Highlighting the state’s achievements in women’s empowerment, the Chief Minister noted that around 17 lakh women in Odisha have already become ‘Lakhpati Didis’, a term used for women earning more than ₹1 lakh annually through self-employment and livelihood initiatives. The government has set an ambitious target to create 60 lakh Lakhpati Didis and 10 lakh “Millionaire Didis” by 2047.

He also underlined that the state government is implementing several initiatives to improve women’s education, health and economic security. Among the major welfare initiatives mentioned were Mukhyamantri Kanya Vivah Yojana, Mukhyamantri Kanya Sumangala Yojana and Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana, which aim to ensure safety, welfare and financial stability for women and girls.

In his concluding remarks, Majhi said women’s empowerment is not merely a slogan for his government but a firm commitment. He stressed that the confidence, dedication and hard work of women will pave the way for building a stronger and more prosperous Odisha.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda