Finance
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi described the disbursement of the fifth instalment of the Subhadra Yojana on Rakhi Purnima as fulfilling a brother’s duty, saying the scheme has emerged as a symbol of women’s empowerment and the government’s commitment to the state’s women.
The Chief Minister made the remarks while presenting the fifth installment of cash help under the flagship project in Lathipada, Nayagarh district. More than Rs 5,163 crore was sent to the bank accounts of 1,03,26,162 qualified beneficiaries in Odisha, including 2,33,585 women in Nayagarh district, who received Rs 116.80 crore.
“On Rakhi Purnima, a brother gives gifts to his sister. As the head of Odisha’s government, providing assistance under Subhadra on Raksha Bandhan makes me feel as if I am fulfilling a brother’s duty,” Majhi said.
Addressing the ladies who attended the function, the Chief Minister stated that Subhadra was more than just a money distribution event; it symbolized the government’s commitment to empowering nearly half of the state’s population.
He stated that true women’s empowerment entailed more than just providing financial support; it also entailed empowering women to become self-sufficient socially, politically, and economically, as well as giving them the ability to make their own choices.
Majhi cited study data from IIM Sambalpur and the State Bank of India, claiming that over 80% of women beneficiaries used the Subhadra support for long-term financial security, business, and development activities rather than satisfying daily requirements.
He stated that 87.19% of recipients found the initiative to be extremely beneficial, and that women’s bank account balances and monthly expenditure had increased.
The Chief Minister also highlighted the success stories of Subhadra beneficiaries such as Ranjubala and Saudamini Nanda of Nayagarh, Gauri Sahu of Ganjam, Bharati Jagadal of Subarnapur, and Arati Khosla of Koraput, stating that their business adventures had served as an inspiration to other women.
He stated that the government has established a ‘Women Entrepreneurship Platform’ to help women with advice on launching firms, skill training, market connections, and financial assistance.
Majhi went on to say that Odisha had produced 27 lakh Lakhpati Didis ahead of schedule, making it the country’s leading state in this regard.
The Chief Minister also mentioned initiatives like as the Kanyabibaha Yojana and the Mukhyamantri Kanya Sumangala Yojana, noting that the state budget included a historic allocation of Rs 1,22,764 crore for women.
Majhi praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s efforts to promote women’s political representation through the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam and encouraged people to light lamps and pray on September 17 to commemorate the Prime Minister’s 76th birthday.
The Chief Minister assured the people of Nayagarh that the Nayagarh sugar mill would be created shortly with the Central government’s help, and that construction on the Brutanga irrigation project would commence.
Odisha Assembly Speaker Surama Padhy said the state government made the right decision in implementing the Subhadra Yojana, claiming that the plan had improved the social and economic life of over one crore women.
Pravati Parida, the Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Women and Child Development, characterized Subhadra as a symbol of women’s dreams, dignity, and self-reliance. She complimented the Chief Minister for giving free bus travel to women on Rakhi Purnima, saying the policy has allowed women to make their own decisions and pursue entrepreneurship.
Puri MP Sambit Patra complimented the Chief Minister for meeting the Lakhpati Didi target ahead of schedule. He also mentioned Majhi’s flood inspections, stating that his visits, including those made on foot, astonished MPs in Parliament.
Sukanta Panigrahi, a Kandhamal MP, stated that awakening women’s power leads to societal development and applauded the Prime Minister and Chief Minister’s efforts to improve women’s dignity and empowerment.
Throughout the program, Majhi visited with successful Subhadra beneficiaries and trained those from Keonjhar and Ganjam districts. He also published the Subhadra Annual Report 2025-26, the SBI Survey Report, and the Subhadra Review.
Mrinalini Darswal, Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Women and Child Development Department, presented the welcome address, while Khandapada MLA and Chairman of the District Planning Committee, Dushmanta Kumar Swain, submitted the vote of thanks.
Monisha Banerjee, Director of the Women and Child Development government, Madhumita Rath, Collector of Nayagarh, and other senior government officials were in attendance.
