Ishika Kumar, Pune
Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked his 74th birthday by launching Odisha’s women-centric financial assistance programme, Subhadra Yojana, alongside unveiling infrastructure projects worth over ₹3,800 crore, including railway and national highway developments. The ceremony was held at the Janata Maidan in Bhubaneswar on 17th September 2024, it symbolized a powerful and noteworthy move towards women’s empowerment and economic upliftment in Odisha.
Named after the Goddess Subhadra, who is worshiped in Odisha alongside Lord Jagannath and Balabhadra, the Subhadra Yojana aims to provide direct financial assistance to over one crore women in the state. Eligible beneficiaries are women aged 21-60. They shall receive 10,000 Rs annually over five years, from 2024 to 2029. The funds will be credited in two installments, i.e. 5,000 Rs each on Rakhi Purnima and International Women’s Day.
Till now 76 lakh women have registered themselves for this scheme, out of which 25 lakh beneficiaries and their bank accounts have been transferred with over 1,250 crore Rs, on the launch day itself. An additional incentive of 500 Rs will be awarded to those with the highest number of digital transactions in each particular region. Deputy Chief Minister Pravatai Parida praised the initiative, stating that “The Subhadra Yojana empowers women, providing them safety nets, income support, and fostering their role as valuable members of the society.”
Alongside the scheme, PM Modi also inaugurated railway projects worth 2,871 crore Rs and national highway projects valued at 1,000 crore Rs. He also launched the Awaas+ 2024 App for a nationwide housing survey under the PMAY-G scheme, transferring funds to nearly 10 lakh beneficiaries across 14 states.
In celebration of the occasion of his birthday, Modi visited the Sabar Sahi slum in Bhubaneswar, interacting with beneficiaries of the PMAY-G housing scheme. “The happiness of tribals gives me strength to work for them.” He shared a personal moment, reflecting on how, in his mother’s memory, he savored a traditional sweet, “kheeri,” offered by a local family. He recalled this gesture being a source of inspiration to him.
The Subhadra Yojana and these newly launched projects mark the beginning of renewed focus on women’s welfare, infrastructure, and tribal empowerment, as PM Modi’s government reaches its 100-day milestone in its third term.