Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi marked International Women’s Day in Puri by releasing the fourth instalment of the Subhadra Yojana.
More than 1.2 crore women across Odisha received direct transfers totalling Rs 5,106 crore. In Puri district alone, 4.20 lakh beneficiaries were included.
At the state-level program, the Chief Minister extended greetings to women and emphasised that Subhadra Yojana has become a source of confidence and financial independence. He said the scheme empowers women to create their own identity and contributes to building a prosperous Odisha.
Majhi highlighted success stories from districts like Angul, Bolangir, Bargarh, Bhadrak, and Cuttack, where women used the assistance to start mushroom cultivation, poultry farming, bamboo trade, and small businesses. He cited the IIM Sambalpur survey report, which revealed that 25.52% of beneficiaries invested in businesses, while 35.7% used funds for household needs. Others repaid loans, saved money, or enhanced skills, gaining recognition within their families.
The Chief Minister reiterated that women’s empowerment remains the government’s top priority. He set ambitious goals of creating 60 lakh “Lakhpati Didis” and 10 lakh “Millionaire Didis” by 2047. He also unveiled the Subhadra review report, a coffee table book by the Women and Child Development Department, and a booklet on child marriage prevention.
Deputy CM Pravati Parida praised the scheme as proof of Odisha’s leadership in women’s empowerment. She urged mothers to ensure HPV vaccination for girls aged 14–15. Puri MP Dr Sambit Patra lauded the initiative, calling it a matter of pride for Odisha.
Majhi strongly condemned the reported disrespect shown to the President in West Bengal, stating that such acts insult not only the President but also the nation and women at large.
