‘Subhadra Yojana’: Odisha Govt to Provide Financial Aid to Rape Survivors

Bhubaneswar: In a significant move to support women who have survived sexual violence, Odisha’s Development Commissioner and Additional Chief Secretary (Administration) Anu Garg chaired a high-level meeting on Sunday to discuss the implementation of the ‘Subhadra Yojana’. The scheme aims to provide financial assistance to rape survivors across the state.

All District Magistrates and Commissioners participated in the meeting through virtual mode. The discussions focused on various aspects of the scheme’s execution, with clear directives issued to district and municipal authorities. Officials have been instructed to conduct a thorough district-wide review by February 23, 2025, to assess the eligible beneficiaries. A list of relevant districts will be published on February 19.

To ensure seamless implementation, the government has emphasized the need for sensitization and motivation of eligible applicants. Authorities have been directed to assist survivors in completing their e-cooperation procedures and making their accounts debitable. This will involve active engagement of officials and employees at various administrative levels.

The initiative comes as the state prepares to celebrate International Women’s Day on March 8. By introducing ‘Subhadra Yojana’, the Odisha government is reaffirming its commitment to women’s empowerment and welfare. The scheme is expected to provide crucial financial support, enabling survivors to rebuild their lives with dignity and stability.

With the deadline approaching, officials are working on an expedited rollout to ensure that the assistance reaches those in need at the earliest. Further updates on the progress of the scheme are expected in the coming weeks.