The Odisha government is set to disburse the fourth phase of the first installment under the Subhadra Yojana on December 25, 2024. This popular scheme aims to financially empower women across the state, providing much-needed support to those from economically weaker sections.
Latest Updates on Subhadra Yojana
The Women and Child Development Department of Odisha has announced that preparations are in full swing for the upcoming disbursement. This fourth phase is expected to benefit around 15 lakh women, adding to the 80 lakh beneficiaries who have already received the first installment of ₹5,000 in the previous three phases.
As of December 1, 2024, the scheme has received an impressive 1,05,36,612 applications. The authorities are working diligently to verify these applications, ensuring that both new applicants and those previously overlooked are included in this round of disbursements.
Key Dates and Processes
Here’s a timeline of important dates for the fourth phase:
- December 6, 2024: Publication of the list of eligible and ineligible beneficiaries at block, urban, and municipal levels.
- December 7-13, 2024: A 7-day window for lodging complaints regarding eligibility status.
- December 25, 2024: Scheduled disbursement of the fourth phase of the first installment.
Verification Process and Assistance
The government is taking several steps to ensure a smooth verification process:
- Field teams, including Anganwadi workers and Bank Mitras, are assisting beneficiaries with various issues, including fund transfer problems.
- Help desks have been set up to facilitate complaint resolution, with all issues being recorded on the Subhadra portal for quick handling.
- Currently, 8,43,839 applicants need to complete their e-KYC, which is mandatory for those who applied via OTP.
About Subhadra Yojana
Launched on September 17, 2024, the Subhadra Yojana is a significant welfare scheme by the Odisha government. It aims to empower women aged 21 to 60 years from economically weaker sections.
Key Features of the Scheme
- Financial Assistance: Eligible women receive ₹50,000 over five years, with ₹10,000 disbursed annually in two installments of ₹5,000 each.
- Eligibility Criteria:
- Women aged 21-60 years
- Belonging to economically weaker sections
- Not government employees or income-tax payers
- Not receiving more than ₹1,500 per month from other schemes
- Digital Transactions: The scheme encourages beneficiaries to use digital transactions, with incentives for the top 100 beneficiaries in each area.
- Subhadra Debit Card: Provided to facilitate seamless transactions.
- Cultural Significance: Named after Devi Subhadra, sister of Lord Jagannath, reflecting its cultural importance in Odisha.
Implementation and Reach
The Subhadra Yojana is set to be implemented from the 2024-25 to 2028-29 financial years. The government aims to benefit 1 crore eligible women across Odisha, promoting economic empowerment and digital literacy.
Application Process
For those interested in applying for the Subhadra Yojana, here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Gather Required Documents:
- Proof of identity (Aadhaar card, Voter ID, etc.)
- Proof of residence
- Income certificate
- Bank account details
- Online Application:
- Visit the official Subhadra Yojana website (http://subhadra.odisha.gov.in)
- Register using your mobile number and email
- Fill out the application form with accurate details
- Upload the required documents
- Submit the application
- Offline Application:
- Visit the nearest Common Service Center (CSC) or Block Development Officer (BDO) office
- Obtain and fill out the application form
- Attach the required documents
- Submit the form at the designated office
- Verification: Your application will be verified by the authorities. You may be contacted for additional information or document verification.
- Approval and Disbursement: Once approved, you will receive the Subhadra Debit Card, and the financial assistance will be credited to your bank account in installments.
Checking Beneficiary Status
To check if you’re on the beneficiary list:
- Go to http://subhadra.odisha.gov.in
- Look for the “Beneficiary List” on the homepage
- Select your district, tehsil, gram panchayat, and ward
- If your name appears on the list, you will receive payments directly into your bank account via DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer)
Impact and Expectations
The Subhadra Yojana is poised to be the biggest welfare initiative in Odisha. Chief Minister Mohan Majhi has emphasized that this scheme goes beyond previous initiatives like Mission Shakti, which provided interest-free loans. The Subhadra Scheme administers direct monetary assistance to women across the state.
In Sundargarh district alone, more than 4.59 lakh women have registered for this scheme, with over 3.37 lakh women already receiving their first installment in the third phase. This demonstrates the widespread reach and impact of the program.
Government’s Commitment
The Odisha government has shown a strong commitment to women’s development through the Subhadra Yojana. Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram has highlighted the state government’s dedication to women’s empowerment. Deputy CM Pravati Parida noted the overwhelming enthusiasm among women in the state for the Subhadra Scheme and thanked ASHA workers and self-help groups for their significant cooperation in this venture.
Addressing Concerns and Ensuring Transparency
To maintain transparency and address any issues:
- The government is vigilant in ensuring that no fees are charged for e-KYC completion.
- Efforts are being made to raise beneficiary awareness about the scheme and its processes.
- The authorities are committed to a seamless and transparent fund disbursement for all eligible individuals.
Opt-out Option
It’s worth noting that beneficiaries have the option to use the Subhadra portal for e-KYC completion and to opt out if they choose not to receive the scheme’s benefits. As of the latest reports, 18,735 beneficiaries have chosen to opt-out of Subhadra Yojana benefits.
Future Outlook
The Odisha government’s commitment to finding and including eligible beneficiaries who were previously rejected due to various reasons shows their dedication to the scheme’s success. Deputy CM Pravati Parida has assured that all eligible beneficiaries currently in the rejected list will be included in the upcoming fourth phase of the first installment.
Conclusion
The Subhadra Yojana represents a significant step towards women’s empowerment in Odisha. By providing direct financial assistance, encouraging digital literacy, and focusing on the economically weaker sections, the scheme aims to create a lasting impact on the lives of millions of women across the state. As the fourth phase of disbursement approaches, the government’s efforts to ensure wide coverage, transparency, and efficient implementation are evident.
