The ‘SUBHADRA’ scheme is designed to provide financial support to eligible women aged 21-60 years, with ₹10,000 credited annually in two instalments directly to their Aadhaar-enabled bank accounts.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled the ‘SUBHADRA’ scheme, the largest women-centric initiative in the country, during a grand event in Bhubaneswar, Odisha today. The scheme, which aims to empower women across the state, will benefit over 1 crore women by providing direct financial assistance of ₹50,000 each over five years.

The Prime Minister also initiated the transfer of funds into the bank accounts of more than 10 lakh women, marking the beginning of the scheme’s rollout. This initiative is set to directly impact the financial stability of numerous families and bolster women’s economic participation.

The event, held amidst the ongoing Ganesh Utsav and the auspicious occasion of Anant Chaturdashi and Vishwakarma Puja, also saw Prime Minister Modi laying the foundation stones for major infrastructure projects in the state. He inaugurated railway projects worth over ₹2800 crore and laid the groundwork for national highway projects totaling more than ₹1000 crore. These projects are expected to enhance connectivity and spur regional development.

Highlighting the significance of the day, Prime Minister Modi addressed a gathering of thousands, expressing his gratitude and pride in being part of such transformative initiatives. He remarked on the importance of Odisha in the national developmental framework, noting that this was his first visit to the state following the formation of the new BJP government. Modi reiterated his commitment to fulfilling the promises made during the election campaign, emphasizing that Odisha would witness substantial progress under the “double-engine” government.

Awaas+ 2024 App launched

The Prime Minister also participated in the Griha Pravesh celebrations for 26 lakh beneficiaries of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), both rural and urban. During the event, he handed over keys to new homes and released the first installment of assistance to approximately 10 lakh beneficiaries under PMAY-G across 14 states. Modi underscored the scheme’s role in empowering women, as properties are now being registered in their names, marking a significant step in gender equality.

In addition, Prime Minister Modi launched the Awaas+ 2024 App, which will aid in surveying additional households for PMAY-G, and unveiled the Operational Guidelines for Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Urban (PMAY-U) 2.0. These moves are part of the government’s broader strategy to ensure effective implementation and transparency in housing schemes.

The Prime Minister highlighted several key achievements of the past 100 days of the NDA government, including the decision to build 3 crore pucca houses for the poor, a ₹2 lakh crore PM package for youth, and the addition of 75,000 new seats in medical colleges. Modi also mentioned the doubling of the budget for the Ministry of Tribal Affairs and the launch of new schemes to support farmers and professionals.

Addressing the occasion, Modi praised Odisha’s potential, citing its resources, youth talent, and tourism opportunities. He announced that the state will receive three times the funding from the central government compared to a decade ago. Modi also touched on the Ayushman Yojana, which will provide free treatment up to ₹5 lakh for senior citizens, and other initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of tribal communities.

About the SUBHADRA scheme

In his closing remarks, Modi urged citizens to resist divisive forces and embrace the unity symbolized by the Ganesh Utsav. He expressed confidence in achieving further milestones and accelerating the pace of development in Odisha and across India.

Governor of Odisha, Shri Raghubar Das, and Chief Minister of Odisha, Shri Mohan Charan Manjhi, were present at the event, which marked a significant moment in the state’s developmental journey. The launch of the ‘SUBHADRA’ scheme and the various infrastructure projects are expected to drive significant progress and uplift the lives of many in Odisha.

The ‘SUBHADRA’ scheme is designed to provide financial support to eligible women aged 21-60 years, with ₹10,000 credited annually in two instalments directly to their Aadhaar-enabled bank accounts. The scheme is linked to RBI’s digital currency pilot project, making it a pioneering effort in integrating financial assistance with modern technology.

The infrastructure projects inaugurated today are set to boost connectivity in Odisha, with new railway lines and highways improving regional transport networks and creating employment opportunities. The comprehensive development approach aims to address various aspects of growth, from economic empowerment to infrastructure enhancement.