The Odisha government transferred over ₹5,000 crore to more than 1.02 crore women under the Subhadra Yojana on International Women’s Day, providing ₹5,000 each through Direct Benefit Transfer to promote women’s financial independence. The scheme supports women aged 21–60 with ₹10,000 annually in two instalments to strengthen economic security and financial inclusion across Odisha.
The Odisha government disbursed more than ₹5,000 crore to over 1.02 crore women beneficiaries under the Subhadra Yojana on International Women’s Day (March 8, 2026). The large-scale financial transfer is part of the state’s flagship initiative aimed at improving economic security and financial independence among women.
The amount was credited directly into beneficiaries’ bank accounts as the fourth instalment of the scheme, marking one of the largest direct benefit transfers targeted at women in the state.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi released the funds during a special programme organised in Puri, while ministers and officials joined the event virtually from several districts across Odisha.
A Flagship Scheme for Women’s Financial Empowerment
Subhadra Yojana is a major women-centric welfare scheme launched in September 2024 to strengthen economic empowerment and financial inclusion among women. The programme seeks to provide direct financial assistance to women aged between 21 and 60 years, especially those from economically weaker sections.
Under the scheme, each eligible beneficiary receives ₹10,000 per year, distributed in two equal instalments of ₹5,000. One instalment is transferred on International Women’s Day, while the second is released on Raksha Bandhan every year.
The initiative aims to support women in meeting household needs, investing in small businesses, or financing education and skill development activities. Policymakers believe that direct financial assistance helps strengthen women’s role in family decision-making and local economies.
Massive Direct Benefit Transfer
The latest transfer of funds reflects the scale of the programme. Officials confirmed that around ₹5,000–₹5,100 crore was credited directly to the accounts of beneficiaries across the state in a single day.
Each beneficiary received ₹5,000 as part of the instalment, continuing the scheduled financial support promised under the scheme. The government uses the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system to ensure that funds reach beneficiaries without intermediaries.
Officials say the programme has already reached women in both rural and urban areas, making it one of the most expansive welfare initiatives focused exclusively on women in Odisha.
Government’s Focus on Gender Equality
State leaders have described Subhadra Yojana as a major step toward gender equality and inclusive development.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said the scheme is designed to strengthen women’s economic independence and improve their participation in the state’s growth. The government believes that empowering women financially can have a direct impact on household welfare and community development.
Officials from the Women and Child Development Department have also highlighted the programme’s role in promoting financial inclusion, encouraging women to use bank accounts and digital transactions.
The initiative is also linked to broader efforts to support women’s entrepreneurship and self-help groups across Odisha. Policymakers say financial assistance can help women invest in small enterprises, expand livelihood opportunities, and reduce dependence on informal credit.
A Long-Term Welfare Programme
The Subhadra Yojana is planned as a five-year programme from 2024 to 2029 with a large financial outlay aimed at reaching more than one crore women across the state.
Over the entire duration of the scheme, eligible women are expected to receive ₹50,000 in total financial support, distributed through regular instalments.
Authorities say the initiative will continue expanding its coverage, with registration still open for eligible women who have not yet enrolled. Officials are also conducting periodic verification to ensure that benefits reach the intended recipients.
Strengthening Women-Led Development
Experts say the Subhadra scheme reflects a broader shift in welfare policy that focuses on empowering women directly rather than only supporting households.
By transferring funds directly to women’s bank accounts, the programme aims to strengthen their financial autonomy and improve access to formal financial systems.
As the state continues to roll out instalments and expand beneficiary coverage, the initiative is expected to play a significant role in promoting women-led development and inclusive growth across Odisha.
Clear Cut Gender, Livelihood Desk
New Delhi, UPDATED: March 15, 2026 09:00 IST
Written By: Ayushman Meena
