Subhadra Yojana: The Subhadra Yojana, a major flagship scheme by the Odisha Government aimed at supporting women financially, has recently come into the spotlight again. This time, it’s not because of how many women it helped, but because over 1.83 lakh women who earlier received the first installment of the scheme have been excluded from the second round of payments.
This development has raised concerns across the state, as Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida confirmed in the Odisha Assembly that this exclusion stemmed from income mismatches, verification errors, and documentation problems.
Subhadra Yojana
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Subhadra Yojana |
| Administered By | Government of Odisha |
| First Installment Beneficiaries | 1.65 crore women (Total amount: ₹5,032.93 crore) |
| Second Installment Beneficiaries | 98.82 lakh women (Total amount: ₹4,941.04 crore) |
| Women Excluded | 1.83 lakh women |
| Reasons for Exclusion | Income above threshold, documentation errors, eligibility review failures |
| Next Step by Govt | Survey to verify eligibility before Raksha Bandhan |
| Official Website | odisha.gov.in |
The Subhadra Yojana remains a transformative program for women’s welfare in Odisha. While the exclusion of 1.83 lakh women from the second installment raised valid concerns, the government’s proactive response and ongoing verification measures signal a strong commitment to transparency and inclusion.
Beneficiaries are encouraged to stay informed, check their eligibility, and participate in upcoming surveys to ensure continued access to benefits. With proper documentation and awareness, the scheme still holds the power to uplift lakhs of households.
What is Subhadra Yojana?
The Subhadra Yojana is a direct benefit transfer (DBT) scheme initiated by the Odisha government, focused on empowering women through financial aid. It provides cash support to women in eligible households to promote economic independence and encourage savings.
Under the scheme, funds are transferred directly into the beneficiaries’ bank accounts in multiple installments. The scheme was launched with the intention of reaching low-income families, especially women who are often excluded from formal financial systems.
First Installment Success
In the first phase, around 1.65 crore women across the state received financial aid amounting to ₹5,032.93 crore. This rollout was widely seen as a massive outreach effort by the Odisha government and was praised for its scale and efficiency.
Why Were 1.83 Lakh Women Excluded From the Second Installment?
Despite receiving the first payment, a total of 1.83 lakh women did not receive the second installment. Let’s explore the main reasons:
1. Income Discrepancies
Several women were later found to have income levels above the eligibility threshold. In some instances:
- Beneficiaries had purchased vehicles, a sign of higher financial standing.
- Some reported higher-than-expected agricultural yield, such as paddy output, which flagged them during income checks.
This income data was cross-verified with official income databases and local economic activity records.
2. Documentation Errors
During the verification phase, some applications were flagged for:
- Incorrect Aadhaar numbers
- Mismatched names or bank account details
- Missing supporting documents such as income certificates or ration card copies
These errors, even if unintentional, led to automatic removal from the second installment list.
3. Ongoing Eligibility Re-evaluation
Since Subhadra Yojana is a need-based welfare program, periodic re-evaluation is conducted to ensure only deserving individuals receive support. Some women were:
- No longer meeting the economic criteria
- Already receiving financial aid under other government schemes
What is the Government Doing to Fix This?
The Odisha government has acknowledged these exclusions and is taking several steps:
1. Grievance Redressal Cells
Affected women can now:
- Submit appeals through designated helplines or district offices
- Visit local panchayat or municipality offices to check their status
2. One-on-One Household Survey
The government plans a fresh round of door-to-door verification to identify and include those who were excluded due to minor discrepancies. This is scheduled to complete before Raksha Bandhan (Rakhi Purnima).
Deputy CM Pravati Parida confirmed that this survey will be conducted by local block-level officials and data collectors trained in eligibility assessments.
3. Technical Corrections & Database Updates
- The government is also working to update the beneficiary database by syncing Aadhaar, income, and banking data in real time.
- A mobile app for self-verification is also being discussed for faster grievance resolution in the future.
Why This Scheme Still Matters
Despite these hiccups, Subhadra Yojana continues to be a lifeline for lakhs of women in Odisha. It not only provides direct financial aid, but also helps in:
- Promoting financial literacy among rural women
- Ensuring women have access to bank accounts and savings tools
- Reducing gender disparities in financial inclusion
Even for women who were excluded, there is still hope for reinstatement, as the upcoming survey aims to re-include all deserving beneficiaries.
Practical Advice: What Should Beneficiaries Do?
If you or someone you know was affected:
Step-by-Step Guide:
Step 1: Visit your nearest Panchayat Office or Municipality Office and ask for the Subhadra Yojana grievance form.
Step 2: Carry the following documents:
- Aadhaar card
- Bank passbook (linked account)
- Ration card
- Income certificate
Step 3: Submit your documents and get your acknowledgment number.
Step 4: Track your complaint status via the official Odisha government portal: www.odisha.gov.in
Step 5: Wait for the verification visit and update if contacted by officials.
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FAQs on Subhadra Yojana
1. Why was I excluded from the second installment despite getting the first?
Your income records, documentation, or scheme eligibility might have changed or flagged during re-verification.
2. Can I reapply for the Subhadra Yojana?
Not a full reapplication, but you can file a grievance and request re-verification.
3. Is there a deadline for grievance submission?
As of now, there is no official deadline, but it is advised to act before Raksha Bandhan 2025.
4. How much money does the scheme provide per beneficiary?
The exact amount per installment is not officially disclosed, but the total allocation per phase suggests it varies based on family size and need.
5. Is the scheme limited to rural women?
No, both urban and rural women are covered, as long as they meet the eligibility conditions.
