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GS Paper I: Social Empowerment GS Paper II: Government Policies |
Why in the News?
The Prime Minister recently launched the ‘Subhadra Yojana‘ Scheme in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.
Context :
The Prime Minister recently inaugurated the ‘SUBHADRA’ Scheme in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, as part of a new initiative by the state government to mark his 74th birthday. The scheme is designed to offer financial assistance to women, providing eligible beneficiaries with ₹10,000 annually to support their basic needs.
What is the Subhadra Yojana?
- The scheme is named after Goddess Subhadra, the younger sister of Lord Jagannath, Odisha’s revered deity.
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About |
This is a flagship initiative of the Odisha government, launched on September 17, 2024. |
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Purpose |
The scheme offers financial assistance to empower women in Odisha, promoting their economic independence and well-being. |
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Eligibility Criteria |
Exclusions: Women from affluent families, government employees, income taxpayers, and those receiving other government assistance exceeding ₹1,500 per month (or ₹18,000 per year). |
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Key Features of the Scheme |
Financial Assistance: The scheme provides ₹10,000 annually to over one crore women in Odisha from 2024 to 2029. Payment Schedule: The funds are disbursed in two instalments of ₹5,000 each—on Rakhi Purnima (August) and International Women’s Day (March 8). Mode of Payment: Payments are directly deposited into Aadhaar-linked single-holder bank accounts, and recipients will receive a Subhadra Debit Card for convenient access to funds. Registration: Over 60 lakh women have already registered, with enrollment continuing until all eligible beneficiaries are covered. Incentives: ₹500 will be awarded to the top 100 digital transaction performers in each panchayat or urban area. |
How will it work?
• The funds will be directly deposited into the beneficiary’s Aadhaar-linked single-holder bank account.
• e-KYC has been made mandatory for the scheme, and beneficiaries will receive a Subhadra Debit Card.
• An additional incentive of ₹500 will be given to the top 100 beneficiaries with the most digital transactions in each gram panchayat and urban local body.
• Women from affluent families, government employees, and income-tax payees are not eligible for the scheme.
• Those receiving ₹1,500 or more per month (or ₹18,000 or more annually) through other government schemes are also excluded.
• There is no deadline for registration; it will remain open until all eligible women have enrolled.
Key Initiatives by the Union Government for Women’s Empowerment:
- Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP): Launched to tackle the declining child sex ratio (CSR) and promote the survival, protection, and education of the girl child.
- Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY): Provides financial support to improve the health and nutrition of pregnant women and lactating mothers, with a cash incentive of ₹5,000 given in three instalments for the first live birth.
- National Nutrition Mission (POSHAN Abhiyaan): Aims to enhance the nutritional status of pregnant women, lactating mothers, and children under six years old.
- Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY): Offers LPG connections to women from Below Poverty Line (BPL) households to reduce dependence on firewood for cooking and improve health outcomes.
- Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY): Encourages parents to save for their daughters’ education and marriage by promoting high-interest savings accounts for girls, which can be opened before age 10 and accessed for education or marriage at age 18.
- One Stop Centre Scheme (OSC): Provides comprehensive support to women affected by violence, offering medical, legal, psychological assistance, and temporary shelter.
- Maternity Benefit Amendment Act 2017: Extends maternity leave from 12 to 26 weeks, ensuring the health and well-being of both mother and child.
- Swadhar Greh Scheme: Offers shelter, food, and rehabilitation for women in challenging situations, such as widows, domestic violence victims, and survivors of trafficking.
- Nirbhaya Fund: Focuses on improving women’s safety in public spaces and transport through initiatives like panic buttons in public transportation, fast-track courts, and safe city projects.
- Support to Training and Employment Program for Women (STEP): Provides skills training to promote self-employment and economic independence for women.
- Pradhan Mantri Mahila Shakti Kendra: Works to empower women at the grassroots level by providing opportunities for skill development, digital literacy, and access to government schemes.
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