Context
The SUBHADRA Scheme is a flagship initiative launched by the Odisha government aimed at empowering women through financial assistance. Named after Goddess Subhadra, the scheme is designed to provide direct financial support to eligible women, enhancing their economic independence and social status. This initiative aligns with the broader goals of women empowerment and financial inclusion, which are critical components of the UPSC CSE syllabus.
About the SUBHADRA Scheme
- Launch Date: The scheme was launched on September 17, 2024, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Odisha.
- Objective: To provide financial assistance to women aged between 21 and 60 years, promoting their economic independence and social empowerment.
- Coverage: The scheme aims to benefit over 1 crore women in Odisha over a period of five years (2024-25 to 2028-29).
Key Features
- Financial Assistance: Eligible women will receive ₹10,000 per annum, credited in two installments of ₹5,000 each on Rakhi Purnima and International Women’s Day.
- Total Benefit: Each beneficiary will receive a total of ₹50,000 over five years.
- Direct Transfer: The financial assistance will be directly transferred to the beneficiaries’ Aadhaar-enabled bank accounts.
- Subhadra Debit Card: Beneficiaries will be issued a Subhadra Debit Card for easy access to the funds.
- Incentives for Digital Transactions: Additional incentives of ₹500 will be provided to 100 beneficiaries with the highest number of digital transactions in each gram panchayat and urban local body2.
Eligibility Criteria
- Age Group: Women aged between 21 and 60 years.
- Exclusions: Women from economically well-off families, government employees, income tax payees, and those receiving assistance of ₹1,500 or more per month under other government schemes are not eligible.
Implementation and Monitoring
- Application Process: Forms are available at Anganwadi centers, block offices, Mo-Seva Kendras, and Jan Seva Kendras.
- Monitoring: The Women and Child Development Department will create a Subhadra society to oversee the implementation and monitoring of the scheme.
- Call Center: A dedicated call center will be established to assist beneficiaries and address their queries.
Government Initiatives and Support
- Budget Allocation: The scheme has an allocated budget of ₹55,825 crore for the five-year period2.
- Integration with Other Schemes: The SUBHADRA Scheme is integrated with other government initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) to provide comprehensive support to women.
Challenges and Recommendations
- Awareness and Accessibility: Ensuring that all eligible women are aware of the scheme and can easily access the benefits.
- Recommendation: Conduct extensive awareness campaigns and simplify the application process.
- Monitoring and Evaluation: Effective monitoring and evaluation mechanisms are needed to ensure the scheme’s success and address any issues promptly.
- Recommendation: Regular audits and feedback mechanisms can help in continuous improvement of the scheme.
- Digital Literacy: Promoting digital literacy among beneficiaries to maximize the use of the Subhadra Debit Card and digital transactions.
- Recommendation: Conduct training programs and workshops on digital literacy.
Examples and Case Studies
- Example 1: A woman in a rural area of Odisha used the financial assistance from the SUBHADRA Scheme to start a small business, improving her family’s economic condition.
- Example 2: A beneficiary in an urban area utilized the funds to pursue higher education, enhancing her employment prospects and contributing to her personal development.
Current Events Connection
- Economic Empowerment: The SUBHADRA Scheme is part of the broader efforts by the Odisha government to empower women economically and socially, aligning with national and international goals of gender equality and financial inclusion.
- Political Impact: The scheme is expected to strengthen the support base of the ruling party in Odisha by addressing the needs of women voters.
Conclusion
The SUBHADRA Scheme is a significant step towards empowering women in Odisha through direct financial assistance. By providing economic support and promoting digital transactions, the scheme aims to enhance the social and economic status of women. Effective implementation and continuous monitoring will be crucial to ensure the scheme’s success and achieve its intended goals.
