THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

PURI, MARCH 8, 2026

 “The confidence and hard work of our Subhadra mothers will build a strong, prosperous and developed Odisha,” said Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi while releasing the fourth instalment of the Subhadra Yojana on the occasion of International Women’s Day, emphasizing that women’s empowerment is central to the state’s development journey.

Addressing a state-level celebration held in Puri on Sunday, the Chief Minister said the State government transferred ₹5,106.33 crore directly to the bank accounts of over 1.02 crore women beneficiaries under the flagship welfare programme today. Each beneficiary received ₹5,000 as the fourth instalment of financial assistance under the Subhadra scheme.

Among the beneficiaries were 4,20,854 women from Puri district, reflecting the extensive reach of the programme across the state.

Greeting the women present at the event on the occasion of International Women’s Day, Majhi said the Subhadra Yojana has successfully empowered women in Odisha by ensuring financial independence and giving them a distinct identity in society. According to him, the initiative has emerged as a major source of confidence and self-reliance for women in the state.

Highlighting the achievements of beneficiaries, the Chief Minister said many women across districts such as Angul, Balangir, Bargarh, Bhadrak and Cuttack have used the assistance to start small businesses and livelihood activities. These include mushroom cultivation, poultry farming, bamboo enterprises and other micro-business ventures, creating inspiring examples of entrepreneurship and self-sufficiency.

Majhi also unveiled the Subhadra Review Report prepared by the Indian Institute of Management Sambalpur, which analysed the impact of the scheme. The survey revealed that 25.52 percent of beneficiaries used the financial assistance to start business activities, while 35.7 percent spent it on household needs. Many women also utilised the funds to repay loans, build savings and enhance skills, helping them gain greater respect and recognition within their families.

The Chief Minister said women will play a decisive role in building a prosperous Odisha by 2036 and a developed India by 2047. “The vision of a prosperous Odisha and a developed nation will be realised under the leadership of women,” he said.

At present, the state has already created nearly 17 lakh ‘Lakhpati Didis’ — women earning more than ₹1 lakh annually. The government has set an ambitious target of creating 60 lakh Lakhpati Didis and 10 lakh ‘Millionaire Didis’ by 2047, he added.

Majhi further noted that the government has introduced several schemes aimed at improving women’s education, health and economic empowerment, including Mukhyamantri Kanya Bibaha Yojana, Mukhyamantri Kanya Sumangala Yojana, and the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana.

Reaffirming the government’s commitment, the Chief Minister said that women’s empowerment is not merely a slogan but a firm commitment of the government. He expressed confidence that the dedication and determination of women will drive the creation of a strong and prosperous Odisha.

During his address, Majhi also strongly condemned the alleged disrespect shown to the President of India in West Bengal, stating that such an act was not only an insult to the President but also an affront to the entire nation and to womanhood.

On the occasion, the Chief Minister also released the Subhadra Review Report, a coffee-table book of the Department of Women and Child Development, and a booklet on prevention of child marriage.

Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Women and Child Development Pravati Parida extended greetings to all participants and said the Subhadra Yojana has emerged as a powerful symbol of women’s empowerment in Odisha. She noted that over ₹15,000 crore had already been distributed in the first three phases, and the fourth instalment further demonstrates the government’s strong commitment to women’s development.

Parida also thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the HPV vaccination initiative and appealed to Subhadra mothers to ensure that all girls aged 14–15 years in the state receive the vaccine.

Puri MP Sambit Patra said the steps taken by the state government to empower women are unprecedented and expressed confidence that Odisha will soon emerge as a national leader in creating Lakhpati Didis.

Among others present at the programme were Brahmagiri MLA Upasana Mohapatra, Pipili MLA Ashrit Pattanayak, Satyabadi MLA Om Prakash Mishra, and Director of the Women and Child Development Department Manisha Banerjee. Ministers also attended district-level celebrations organised across the state.

Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Women and Child Development Department Mrinalini Darswal delivered the welcome address, while Puri District Collector Dibyajyoti Parida proposed the vote of thanks.