Bhubaneswar, November 26, 2024 – The Odisha government is taking significant steps to address challenges faced by beneficiaries of the Subhadra Yojana, a flagship scheme aimed at empowering women through direct financial assistance. Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida announced a series of measures to ensure that eligible women receive their due benefits promptly.
Third Phase Disbursement Completed
On November 24, the government released the third phase of the first installment under the Subhadra Yojana. This phase saw over 20 lakh women receiving ₹5,000 directly into their bank accounts. Notably, 25% of previously excluded applicants were included in this disbursement, reflecting the government’s commitment to broadening the scheme’s reach.
Ongoing Verification for Pending Applications
Despite the progress, several applicants have yet to receive their benefits due to pending eligibility verifications. The government is conducting thorough checks to ensure that only eligible beneficiaries are included. In cases where discrepancies arise, officials will perform physical verifications to confirm eligibility. Deputy Chief Minister Parida assured that these beneficiaries would receive their payments by December, following the completion of the verification process.
Addressing Technical Challenges
A significant hurdle has been the linking of Aadhaar numbers to bank accounts. Approximately 5 lakh applicants are facing issues in this regard. Even among those who have linked their Aadhaar, some have not registered a mobile number with their bank accounts, complicating the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) process. The government is actively working to resolve these issues to facilitate seamless fund transfers.
Deployment of Bank Mitras and Awareness Campaigns
To expedite the resolution of these challenges, the government plans to engage ‘bank mitras’—representatives who will assist beneficiaries in linking their Aadhaar and mobile numbers to their bank accounts, ensuring they are DBT-enabled. Additionally, government officials will visit households to raise awareness about the importance of these linkages and guide beneficiaries through the process. This door-to-door campaign aims to educate women about the scheme’s benefits and the steps required to avail them.
Government’s Commitment to Inclusion
Deputy Chief Minister Parida emphasized the government’s dedication to including all eligible women in the Subhadra Yojana. She stated that the process would continue until every deserving beneficiary receives their due assistance. The government’s proactive approach underscores its commitment to women’s empowerment and financial inclusion.
Beneficiary Experiences
Many beneficiaries have praised the Subhadra Yojana for its positive impact. Sita Devi from Cuttack said, “The financial aid has greatly helped my family. The government’s efforts to fix issues and ensure we get the benefits are admirable.” However, some still face problems. Radha Kumari from Bhubaneswar shared, “I haven’t received my payment because of bank account issues. I hope the government resolves this soon.”
Future Outlook
The Odisha government is working to fix technical issues and spread awareness about the Subhadra Yojana. These efforts are expected to make the scheme more effective. By ensuring all eligible women receive financial support on time, the government aims to empower women economically and improve their quality of life across the state.
The government is working hard to ensure smooth disbursement of funds. Beneficiaries are urged to cooperate with officials and complete the verification process. The success of the Subhadra Yojana depends on teamwork between the government and beneficiaries, aiming to build a more inclusive and empowered society.
