On September 17, 2024, Odisha launched the Subhadra Yojana to support over ten million women aged 21–60 from economically weaker backgrounds. Named after Devi Subhadra, sister of Lord Jagannath, it reflects the state’s commitment to helping women achieve financial independence and social empowerment. Backed by a ₹55,825 crore budget for 2024–29 and an extra ₹10,000 crore for the expanded “Subhadra Plus” phase, the program aims to spark a ripple effect of roughly ₹2.5 lakh crore in economic activity.
What is Subhadra Yojana?
Odisha’s Subhadra Yojana focuses on uplifting women from economically challenged backgrounds by offering up to ₹50,000 over five years for personal or business needs. Beyond direct funding, it promotes entrepreneurship and social awareness, with special branches like Kishori Subhadra for teenage girls, Subhadra Sanchay to boost savings, and Subhadra Suraksha for safety support. With over ten million women enrolled and ₹1,250 crore already disbursed, it’s proving to be a transformative force in the state.
Objective of Subhadra Yojana
The Subhadra Yojana is driven by a vision to empower women holistically. Its key objectives include:
- Financial Independence: Providing monetary support to women to meet personal or entrepreneurial needs.
- Skill Development: Promoting vocational training and Self-Help Groups (SHGs) to boost employability and entrepreneurship.
- Social Empowerment: Raising awareness about women’s rights, gender equality, health, and leadership.
- Digital Literacy: Encouraging digital financial transactions through the SUBHADRA Card.
- Economic Growth: Stimulating Odisha’s economy with a projected ₹2.5 lakh crore multiplier effect over five years.
Benefits and Features of Subhadra Yojana
The scheme offers a range of benefits to ensure women thrive economically and socially:
- Financial Aid: Beneficiaries receive ₹50,000 over five years, disbursed as ₹10,000 annually in two ₹5,000 installments (on Raksha Bandhan and International Women’s Day).
- SUBHADRA Card: An ATM-cum-debit card to facilitate digital transactions, promoting financial inclusion.
- Digital Incentive: The top 100 women with the highest digital transactions in each gram panchayat or urban local body receive an additional ₹500.
- Skill and Entrepreneurship Support: Training programs and SHG formation to foster small businesses and self-reliance.
- Social Impact: Awareness campaigns on women’s rights, health, and community participation.
- Disbursement: Funds are transferred directly to Aadhaar-linked, Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)-enabled bank accounts for transparency.
- Reach: Over one crore women have enrolled, with ₹1,250 crore disbursed, including ₹900 crore to 18 lakh women in the fourth phase on February 8, 2025.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for Subhadra Yojana, women must meet the following criteria:
- Age: 21–60 years (born between September 17, 1964, and September 16, 2003, for 2024–25).
- Residency: Permanent residents of Odisha.
- Economic Status: Priority for families with an annual income of less than ₹2.50 lakh or those covered under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) or State Food Security Scheme (SFSS).
- Bank Account: Must have an Aadhaar-linked, single-holder, DBT-enabled bank account.
- Other: ASHA workers, Anganwadi workers, and similar community workers are eligible.
Ineligibility Criteria
Certain women are excluded from the scheme to ensure benefits reach the most deserving:
- Women from affluent families or those paying income tax.
- Government employees or pensioners.
- Women receiving ₹1,500 or more monthly (or ₹18,000 annually) from other government schemes.
- Women outside the 21–60 age range.
- Non-residents of Odisha or those without DBT-enabled, Aadhaar-linked bank accounts.
Documents Required
Applicants need the following documents to apply:
- Aadhaar card (mandatory for e-KYC verification).
- Aadhaar-linked mobile number for OTP authentication.
- Proof of residence (e.g., ration card, electricity bill).
- Identity proof (e.g., voter ID, passport).
- Certificates for widows or unmarried women, if applicable.
Subhadra Yojana Online Application Process in 2025 (Updated)
Applying online is straightforward and secure, with updated protocols in 2025 emphasizing biometric authentication:
- Visit the official portal: subhadra.odisha.gov.in.
- Click on “New Registration” or “Apply Online.”
- Enter personal details, including name, Aadhaar number, and mobile number.
- Upload scanned copies of required documents (Aadhaar, residence proof, etc.).
- Complete e-KYC using Aadhaar-based OTP or biometric authentication (mandatory in 2025 to prevent fraud).
- Submit the application through authorized Common Service Centres (CSCs) or Mo Seba Kendras (MSKs) using valid login credentials.
- Receive an application number to track your status.
Subhadra Yojana Offline Application Process
For those preferring offline applications, the process is equally accessible:
- Obtain the application form from CSCs, MSKs, Anganwadi centres, block offices, or download it from subhadra.odisha.gov.in.
- Fill out the form accurately, ensuring details match Aadhaar and bank records.
- Attach self-attested copies of required documents.
- Submit the form at a CSC or MSK, where staff will upload it to the online system.
- Complete e-KYC at the centre using Aadhaar-based OTP or biometric verification.
- Collect a receipt with the application number for future reference.
Helpline Details
The government provides robust support for applicants and beneficiaries:
- Toll-Free Helpline: 14678, available 24/7 in Odia, Hindi, and English.
- Services Offered:
- Application status updates.
- Eligibility clarifications.
- Assistance with payment delays or e-KYC issues.
- Grievance redressal.
- Additional Support: Visit CSCs, MSKs, gram panchayats, or block offices.
- Online Support: Submit queries via the “Grievance” section on subhadra.odisha.gov.in.
Installment Dates
The financial aid is disbursed in two annual installments:
- First Installment (2024–25): September 17, 2024 (Raksha Bandhan), ₹5,000 credited.
- Second Installment (2024–25): March 8, 2025 (International Women’s Day), ₹5,000 credited.
- Fourth Phase Disbursement: February 8, 2025, ₹5,000 to 18 lakh women (₹900 crore).
- Future Installments: Annually on Raksha Bandhan and International Women’s Day until 2028–29.
- Note: Around one lakh women missed the second installment due to mismatched ration card or income details. A survey post-March 31, 2025, will address these cases.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Who is eligible for Subhadra Yojana?
Women aged 21–60, residing in Odisha, from economically weaker sections with Aadhaar-linked, DBT-enabled bank accounts are eligible. - How much financial aid is provided?
Beneficiaries receive ₹50,000 over five years, given as ₹10,000 annually in two ₹5,000 installments. - Why was my application rejected?
Common reasons include incomplete documents, mismatched Aadhaar details, or ineligibility (e.g., high income or receiving other scheme benefits). Check the rejected list on subhadra.odisha.gov.in and appeal at a CSC/MSK. - How can I check my application status?
Visit the official portal, go to “Status Check,” and enter your Aadhaar or application number. Alternatively, check at CSCs, MSKs, or bank branches. - What if I haven’t received an installment?
Verify your bank account’s DBT status, complete e-KYC, and contact the helpline (14678) or a CSC/MSK. - Is e-KYC mandatory?
Yes, Aadhaar-based e-KYC (via OTP or biometric) is required for all applicants in 2025. - What is the SUBHADRA Card?
An ATM-cum-debit card provided to beneficiaries to promote digital transactions. - Can I modify my application after submission?
Modifications are limited post-submission. Contact a CSC/MSK or the helpline for guidance on errors. - What is Subhadra Plus?
An expansion of the scheme with sub-initiatives like Kishori Subhadra (for teenage girls), Subhadra Sanchay (savings), and Subhadra Suraksha (safety), backed by a ₹10,000 crore budget. - When is the next installment?
The first installment for 2025–26 is expected in August 2025 (Raksha Bandhan).