Odisha Govt expands its Subhadra initiative with new programs aimed at empowering women through financial support & entrepreneurial opportunities
OdishaPlus Bureau
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Saturday announced that the state government will continue to introduce more programs aimed at empowering women under the Subhadra initiative.
While inaugurating Subhadra Shakti Mela, the chief minister mentioned new programs such as Kishori Subhadra, Subhadra Savings, Subhadra Sakhi, Subhadra Yatri, Subhadra Sangha or Club, Kuha Subhadra or Subhadra Call Centre, Subhadra Sahayogi, Subhadra Pandit, and Suyogya Subhadra will be rolled out by the state.
He noted that the budget for 2025-26 includes a provision of Rs. 10,145 crore for the Subhadra scheme. Majhi expressed confidence that by 2036, during the celebration of Samruddha Odisha, women will play a key role in its success. He stated that Subhadra is the largest initiative in Odisha’s history, having allocated Rs. 4,900 crore to over 98 lakh women. “On March 8, for International Women’s Day, we will provide another Rs. 5,000 to our mothers and sisters as the second installment,” he added.
The chief minister also mentioned that the state government will reimburse interest on bank loans up to Rs. 10 lakh for women’s self-help groups. An interest subvention of Rs. 300 crore will benefit more than three lakh WSHGs in 2024-25. He highlighted that the revolving funds for about 5.80 lakh WSHGs have been doubled, and the community investment fund for gram panchayat-level federations (GPLFs) has increased from Rs. 35 to Rs. 60 lakh, strengthening these institutions financially.
Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida stated that the Subhadra Mela represents not just culture and heritage, but also the growth and success of women. She emphasized that if the women of Odisha keep working hard, a developed Odisha can be achieved by 2036.
At the Subhadra Shakti Mela, over 700 Women’s Self-Help Groups (WSHGs) are displaying more than 200 products across 300 stalls. The event will last for nine days and features items like handicrafts, organic goods, food, spices, and crafts made from terracotta and bamboo.
