Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Friday, 28 August presided over the distribution of the fifth instalment of financial assistance under Subhadra Yojana — the state government's flagship women's empowerment scheme — at a special event in Lathipada, Nayagada district. The scheme has so far channelled more than ₹5,163 crore to 1,03,26,162 beneficiaries across Odisha, including 2,33,585 women from Nayagada alone.

What the Chief Minister Said

Addressing the gathering of Subhadra beneficiaries, Majhi said the scheme was 'not merely an occasion for allocation of money but a symbol of women's empowerment and the government's commitment towards half of the state's population.' He emphasised that true empowerment meant enabling women to become socially, politically, and economically self-reliant — and to make independent decisions — rather than simply providing financial aid.

Each instalment under Subhadra Yojana provides ₹5,000 in direct benefit transfers to eligible women beneficiaries.

Survey Data: How Women Are Using the Funds

Citing survey findings from IIM Sambalpur and the State Bank of India, Majhi noted that around 80 per cent of women had directed their Subhadra assistance toward long-term financial security, business ventures, and developmental activities — rather than daily consumption alone. He added that 87.19 per cent of beneficiaries had rated the scheme as 'extremely useful,' and that account balances and monthly expenditure among women beneficiaries had both risen since the scheme's rollout.

Women Entrepreneurship and Lakhpati Didi Milestone

The Chief Minister highlighted the Women Entrepreneurship Platform, established to support self-reliance by offering business guidance, skill training, market linkages, and financial assistance to women. He expressed satisfaction that Odisha had ranked first in the country by creating 27 lakh Lakhpati Didis — women with annual incomes exceeding ₹1 lakh — ahead of the stipulated national target.

Nayagada Promises: Sugar Mill and Irrigation Project

During the event, Majhi also assured residents of Nayagada district that, with support from the Centre, the Nayagada sugar mill would be established shortly and work on the Brutanga irrigation project would commence soon. The assurances came as the ruling government sought to consolidate its outreach in the region.

Who Attended

The event was attended by Speaker Surama Padhy, Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, Puri MP Sambit Patra, and Kandhamal MP Sukanta Panigrahi, among other dignitaries. The high-profile attendance underscored the political significance the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Odisha government has attached to the scheme ahead of future electoral cycles.

As the fifth instalment reaches millions of women across the state, the Subhadra Yojana continues to serve as a centrepiece of the Odisha government's social welfare agenda — with the administration now pointing to independent survey data to validate its on-ground impact.