The Subhadra Scheme, a flagship initiative of the Odisha Government’s Women and Child Development Department, is transforming the lives of women across the state. Designed to empower women through financial support, enhanced digital literacy, and access to social safety nets, the scheme aims to improve the socio-economic conditions of women and their families. Launched as one of the BJP’s poll promises ahead of the 2024 elections in Odisha, the Subhadra Scheme has already begun to make a significant impact.
The scheme provides direct financial benefits to women, encouraging them to become financially independent and take up entrepreneurial ventures. To ensure the scheme’s success and maximize its impact, the Indian Institute of Management, Sambalpur (IIM Sambalpur), has partnered with the Odisha government. This collaboration aims to provide research-based insights, policy recommendations, and strategic guidance to enhance the scheme’s effectiveness.
One of the early success stories of the Subhadra Scheme is Monalisa Mohanty, a resident of Nuagaon. With the first two instalments of the scheme’s funds, Monalisa started her own tailoring shop, achieving financial independence. Her story is a testament to how the scheme is empowering women to take control of their lives and contribute to their families’ well-being.
While Monalisa has already taken the entrepreneurial leap, other beneficiaries like Nayana Subudhi are still exploring their options. Nayana, who has also received two instalments of the scheme’s funds, is contemplating whether to invest in farming or start a variety shop in her village. Her journey reflects the diverse aspirations and challenges faced by women in rural Odisha.
These stories highlight the varying levels of confidence and clarity among beneficiaries. While some women, like Monalisa, have clear plans, others, like Nayana, are still figuring out how to best utilize the funds. This is where IIM Sambalpur’s intervention becomes crucial.
To ensure the Subhadra Scheme’s success, IIM Sambalpur has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Department of Women and Child Development. This partnership was formalized during the recently concluded Utkarsh Odisha Business Conclave. The collaboration aims to leverage IIM Sambalpur’s expertise in research, policy analysis, and strategic planning to enhance the scheme’s impact.
As part of the partnership, IIM Sambalpur will undertake several initiatives, including:
The Subhadra Scheme provides financial support to eligible beneficiaries, offering a total of Rs 50,000 over five years (Rs 10,000 annually between 2024-25 and 2028-29). To encourage digital transactions, the scheme also offers an additional incentive of Rs 500 to the top 100 women in each Gram Panchayat or Urban Local Body with the highest number of digital transactions annually.
The scheme is designed to support women who are not already receiving significant financial assistance from other government programs. Specifically, applicants receiving pensions, scholarships, or other benefits of Rs 1,500 per month or more (or Rs 18,000 per annum or more) under any State or Central Government Scheme are ineligible for the Subhadra Scheme.
With IIM Sambalpur’s support, the Subhadra Scheme is expected to become more data-driven and result-oriented. The institute’s research and policy expertise will help identify best practices, address challenges, and ensure that the scheme achieves its objectives effectively.
Prof. Mahadeo Jaiswal, Director of IIM Sambalpur, emphasized the institute’s commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs. He stated, “This partnership aligns with our mission to drive impactful policy interventions. By applying rigorous research and strategic insights, we aim to empower women entrepreneurs and uplift communities across Odisha.”
By March 2024, IIM Sambalpur plans to complete an impact assessment of the Subhadra Scheme and submit a detailed report to the Odisha government. Based on the findings, the institute will devise a strategy to help all beneficiaries take up profitable entrepreneurial ventures. Prof. Jaiswal expressed confidence that the institute’s team of experts would be able to guide beneficiaries effectively.
As part of the scheme, beneficiaries receive a Subhadra Card, an ATM-cum-debit card that enhances their identity and financial inclusion. The card not only provides access to funds but also serves as a tool for digital transactions, aligning with the scheme’s focus on promoting digital literacy.
Category | Details |
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Why in News? | The Odisha Government’s Subhadra Scheme is transforming women’s lives by providing financial aid, promoting digital literacy, and encouraging entrepreneurship. IIM Sambalpur has partnered with the government to enhance its impact. |
What is the Subhadra Scheme? | A women empowerment initiative providing ₹50,000 over five years (₹10,000 annually from 2024-25 to 2028-29) and an additional ₹500 incentive for top digital transactions in each Gram Panchayat/Urban Local Body. |
Who Benefits? | Women not receiving financial aid of ₹1,500/month (₹18,000/year) or more from any State or Central Government schemes. |
Success Stories | – Monalisa Mohanty: Used funds to start a tailoring shop. – Nayana Subudhi: Exploring farming or a variety shop investment. |
IIM Sambalpur’s Role | Partnered with the Odisha Government to conduct research, impact assessments, policy recommendations, and monitoring frameworks for better scheme implementation. |
Key Features of Collaboration | – Research & Real-Time Assessment to track scheme impact. – Policy Recommendations to refine objectives. – Monitoring Frameworks for transparency and accountability. |
Subhadra Card | Beneficiaries receive an ATM-cum-debit card for financial inclusion and digital transactions. |
Future Plans | By March 2024, IIM Sambalpur will submit an impact assessment report and develop a strategy for improving beneficiary entrepreneurship. |
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