In September 2024, the Government of Odisha launched a transformative welfare initiative named after Devi Subhadra, sister of Lord Jagannath. This program, called
In Odisha, a state known for its rich culture and progressive policies, a new chapter in women’s welfare began on September 17, 2024, with the launch of Subhadra Yojana — a transformative welfare initiative named after Devi Subhadra, sister of Lord Jagannath.
Subhadra Yojana promises financial support to millions of women across the state, aiming to enhance their economic independence and overall well-being.
This ambitious scheme, introduced by the Odisha government under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, aims to provide financial support to women from economically weaker sections. Backed by the Women and Child Development Department, Subhadra Yojana is more than just a financial aid program—it’s a step toward empowering women, fostering independence, and bridging economic gaps across the state’s 30 districts. With a budget of ₹55,825 crore allocated from 2024 to 2029, the initiative targets over 1 crore women, offering them a safety net to improve their lives and those of their families.
Suppose you’re a woman living in Odisha or have family members who might benefit from this scheme. In that case, this comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Subhadra Yojana – from eligibility criteria and application process to benefits and important deadlines.
What is Subhadra Yojana?
Subhadra Yojana is a flagship financial assistance program introduced by the Odisha government to empower women economically. Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially launched the scheme on September 17, 2024, marking a significant step toward improving the socio-economic status of women in the state.
Named after Devi Subhadra, the scheme holds cultural significance for the people of Odisha. It was a key promise in the BJP’s 2024 election manifesto and aims to benefit over 1 crore women across the state. The program is backed by a substantial budget of ₹55,825 crore allocated for the period of 2024-2029.
Beyond just providing financial assistance, Subhadra Yojana seeks to promote financial inclusion, encourage digital literacy, and create opportunities for women to grow personally and professionally. The scheme is expected to contribute approximately ₹2.5 lakh crore to Odisha’s economy over the next five years through its multiplier effect.
Benefits Under Subhadra Yojana
The core benefit of Subhadra Yojana is financial assistance of ₹50,000 provided to each eligible woman over a period of five years. Here’s how the payment structure works:
- The total amount of ₹50,000 is disbursed as annual installments of ₹10,000
- Each annual payment is split into two installments of ₹5,000 each
- The first installment is paid on Raksha Bandhan
- The second installment is disbursed on International Women’s Day (March 8)
- All funds are directly transferred to Aadhaar-linked bank accounts
Women can use this financial assistance for various purposes, including:
- Starting small businesses or entrepreneurial ventures
- Supporting children’s education
- Meeting household expenses
- Healthcare needs
- Skills development and training
To promote digital financial literacy, the scheme also offers an additional incentive. The top 100 beneficiaries in each gram panchayat or urban area who conduct the highest number of digital transactions receive an extra ₹500. Each beneficiary also receives a “Subhadra Debit Card” to facilitate digital transactions.
For the financial year 2024-25, all beneficiaries registered by March 31, 2025, will receive the full benefit of ₹10,000 (both installments) at once, regardless of when their application is approved.
Who Can Apply for Subhadra Yojana?
The eligibility criteria for Subhadra Yojana are designed to ensure that the benefits reach women who truly need financial support. To qualify for the scheme, you must meet the following conditions:
Eligibility Criteria:
- You must be a resident of Odisha
- Your age should be between 21 and 60 years as of July 1, 2024
- This means you should be born between July 2, 1964, and July 1, 2003
- The date of birth as recorded in your Aadhaar card is considered final
- You should either:
- Have an NFSA (National Food Security Act) card or SFSS (State Food Security Scheme) card, OR
- If you don’t have these cards, your family income should not exceed ₹2.5 lakh per year
Who Cannot Apply:
The following categories of women are not eligible for benefits under Subhadra Yojana:
- Women receiving financial assistance (pension, scholarship, etc.) of ₹1,500 per month or more (₹18,000 per year) under any other state or central government scheme
- Women who themselves or whose family members are:
- Current or former MPs or MLAs
- Income tax payers
- Elected representatives in urban local bodies or panchayati raj institutions (excluding ward members or councillors)
- Government employees (regular or contractual) or receiving government pension
- Owners of four-wheeler vehicles (except tractors, mini-trucks, and similar commercial vehicles)
- Women whose families own more than 5 acres of irrigated land or 10 acres of non-irrigated land
It’s worth noting that workers receiving honorarium such as ASHA workers, Anganwadi workers, Community Resource Persons, and those engaged through outsourcing agencies are eligible if they meet the other criteria.
How to Apply for Subhadra Yojana
The application process for Subhadra Yojana is designed to be accessible to all eligible women, with both online and offline options available.
Online Application Process:
1. Visit the official website: subhadra.odisha.gov.in

2. Login via CSC (Common Service Centre)

3. Initiate with Digital Seva Connect using your username/email, password, and captcha

4. Submit a new application by entering your Aadhaar number
5. Accept the agreement policy and proceed to e-KYC verification (preferably via OTP)
6. Fill in your personal information completely
7. Upload the physical form if applicable
8. Accept the privacy policy and submit after reviewing all details
Offline Application Process:
- Obtain a free application form from one of these locations:
- Anganwadi centres
- Mo Seva centres
- Block offices
- Jan Seva centres
- Urban Local Body offices
- Fill the form correctly with all required information
- Submit the completed form with required documents at the nearest Mo Seva centre
- Selected candidates will be notified via mobile
- Successful applicants will receive a Subhadra Card (similar to a debit card) issued at Block offices or Anganwadi centres
Required Documents:
Make sure you have the following documents ready when applying:
- Aadhaar Card
- Ration Card
- PAN Card
- Bank Passbook of your single-holder account
- Mobile Number (linked to your Aadhaar)
- Income Certificate (if applicable)
- Residence Certificate
- Voter ID
- Passport Size Photograph
Important Requirements:
Before applying, ensure you have:
- An Aadhaar card/number in your own name
- A mobile number linked to your Aadhaar card
- A single-holder bank account that is Aadhaar-enabled and DBT-enabled
If you don’t have these requirements, don’t worry. The scheme provides assistance for:
- Enrolling for an Aadhaar card or correcting information
- Opening a single-holder bank account
- Making your bank account Aadhaar-enabled and DBT-enabled
- Completing the e-KYC process
Registration Deadline:
The registration deadline for FY 2024-25 is March 31, 2025. Women who register by this date will be eligible to receive both installments (₹10,000 total) for the current financial year in a single payment.
Current Status and Implementation
Since its launch in September 2024, Subhadra Yojana has seen significant progress in enrollment and disbursement. As of early March 2025:
- Over 50 lakh women have registered for the scheme
- Initial fund transfers totaling ₹1,250 crore have been made to over 25 lakh women
- The fourth phase of the first installment was disbursed on February 8, 2025, benefiting over 18 lakh women
- The fifth phase of the first installment is scheduled for March 6, 2025
- The second installment of the current phase is due on March 8, 2025 (International Women’s Day)
Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida has stated that there is no final deadline for registration, though the FY 2024-25 registration must be completed by March 31, 2025, to receive combined installments.
Monitoring and Transparency
The Odisha government has established robust mechanisms to monitor the implementation of Subhadra Yojana and ensure transparency:
- A State Level Steering and Monitoring Committee (SLSMC) headed by the Chief Secretary oversees the effective implementation of the scheme
- District, Block, and Municipal level committees supervise the implementation at their respective levels
- A Society registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860, has been set up for overall implementation, monitoring, and evaluation
- The SUBHADRA Portal provides real-time updates on policy changes, installment status, and application processing
- A helpline (14678) and centralized call center address queries and grievances
- Grievance redressal camps (SUBHADRA Shibira) are conducted at various administrative levels
- Regular feedback collection and community outreach programs ensure the scheme’s effective implementation
Strengths and Limitations of the Scheme
Strengths:
- Direct Financial Support: The scheme provides substantial financial assistance directly to women, giving them flexibility in how they use the funds.
- Transparency: Direct bank transfers reduce corruption and ensure timely disbursements.
- Digital Inclusion: The scheme encourages digital transactions and financial literacy through incentives.
- Economic Impact: Beyond individual benefits, the scheme is expected to contribute significantly to Odisha’s economy.
- Inclusive Application Process: Both online and offline options make the scheme accessible to women regardless of digital literacy.
Limitations:
- Limited Coverage: Critics argue that the scheme may not reach all women in need, with some claiming that only 70 lakh women are receiving support against an initial promise of 2.25 crore.
- Amount Adequacy: Some question whether the annual amount of ₹10,000 is sufficient for meaningful economic empowerment.
- Eligibility Restrictions: The strict criteria may exclude women who are economically vulnerable but fall outside the parameters.
- Political Debate: The scheme has been criticized by opposition figures like BJD MP Sulata Deo as an “election gimmick.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. Who can apply for Subhadra Yojana?
A: Women aged 21-60 years who are residents of Odisha and either have an NFSA/SFSS card or have a family income below ₹2.5 lakh per year are eligible, provided they don’t fall under any exclusion categories.
Q: How much financial assistance will I receive under Subhadra Yojana?
A: Eligible women receive ₹50,000 over five years, disbursed as ₹10,000 annually in two installments of ₹5,000 each.
Q: When will the payments be made?
A: The two annual installments are paid on Raksha Bandhan and International Women’s Day (March 8).
Q: How do I apply for Subhadra Yojana?
A: You can apply either online through the official website (subhadra.odisha.gov.in) or offline by submitting a physical form at designated centers like Anganwadi centers or Mo Seva Kendras.
Q: What documents are required for application?
A: You need your Aadhaar card, ration card, bank passbook, mobile number, and other identity documents like voter ID and passport-size photograph.
Q: What is the deadline for application?
A: For FY 2024-25, the registration deadline is March 31, 2025. Women registering by this date will receive both installments (₹10,000) for the current year together.
Q: Do I need to have my own bank account?
A: Yes, you must have a single-holder bank account that is Aadhaar-enabled and DBT-enabled to receive the benefits.
Q: Can ASHA and Anganwadi workers apply for the scheme?
A: Yes, workers receiving honorarium such as ASHA workers, Anganwadi workers, and Community Resource Persons are eligible if they meet other criteria.
Q: What if I don’t have an Aadhaar card or bank account?
A: The scheme provides assistance for enrolling for Aadhaar, opening a bank account, and making it Aadhaar and DBT-enabled.
Q: Is there any additional benefit for digital transactions?
A: Yes, the top 100 beneficiaries in each gram panchayat or urban area who conduct the highest number of digital transactions receive an additional ₹500.
Q. What if I don’t have an Aadhaar or bank account?
You can get assistance to enroll for Aadhaar or open a suitable bank account through the scheme’s support services.
Q. Can I leave the scheme?
Yes, if you become ineligible—like getting a government job—you can opt out via the Subhadra portal, passing the benefit to another woman.
Conclusion
Subhadra Yojana represents a significant step toward financial empowerment of women in Odisha. With its substantial financial support, inclusive approach, and focus on digital literacy, the scheme has the potential to transform the lives of over one crore women across the state.
If you’re eligible, make sure to apply before March 31, 2025, to receive the full benefit for the current financial year. The scheme’s successful implementation will depend not only on government efforts but also on active participation from eligible women.
As the program continues to roll out across Odisha, it stands as a testament to the state’s commitment to placing women at the center of its development agenda, providing them with the tools and opportunities for economic independence and social empowerment.
For more information or assistance with the application process, visit the official website subhadra.odisha.gov.in or contact the helpline at 14678.