Bhubaneswar (Odisha): Reacting to the Odisha government’s Subhadra Yojana, BJD MP Sulata Deo criticized it as an election gimmick and an injustice to women.
She noted that while the scheme was promised to benefit 2.25 crore women, only 70 lakh women will actually receive support.
“This is just another election ‘jumla,’ similar to previous promises like 2 crore jobs and 15 lakh in bank accounts. Initially, it was promised that every woman would receive Rs 50,000 in two years, but now only one out of three women will get the amount, and that too only Rs 5,000. Over five years, this totals Rs 50,000, which amounts to just Rs 10,000 per year. What can women do with such a small amount?” she said.
“The scheme’s promise of Rs 50,000 per year was supposed to help women invest, but their plans have been thwarted,” she added.
Deo further criticised the current BJP government, citing a significant loan burden on the state. “Under the present government, the state’s loan has reached Rs 42,000 crore. Rs 5,000 every six months amounts to just Rs 833 per month or Rs 27 per day. What can a woman do with Rs 27 per day? With a female population of 2.25 crore in Odisha, the scheme’s limited reach to 70 lakh women represents an injustice,” she said.
She further claimed that this money would be taken back from women with interest.
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi had earlier announced the approval of an initiative for women’s empowerment, Subhadra, in the state legislative assembly.
“I take this opportunity on this auspicious day to inform this House about the approval of a path-breaking initiative for women’s empowerment, Subhadra, by the state cabinet. As decided by the state cabinet in its meeting held on August 22, 2024, at Lok Seva Bhawan, the scheme has been approved for implementation from the financial year 2024-25 to the financial year 2028-29. An outlay of Rs 55,825.00 crore has been made for this initiative,” a press release from the CMO said.
According to the CMO, Subhadra will transform the lives of more than 1 crore women in the state. It will cover all eligible women aged 21 years or above and less than 60 years old.
A total of Rs 10,000 per annum will be paid in two instalments of Rs 5000 each on Rakhi Purnima Day and International Women’s Day (March 8). Thus, an eligible woman beneficiary will get Rs 50,000 in total in five years, the CMO said.