The Odisha government has revised the eligibility criteria for the Subhadra Yojana, clarifying that girls and women who receive ₹18,000 or more annually from any government scholarship or financial assistance scheme will no longer qualify for benefits under this program. The rule is aimed at ensuring that the financial support reaches genuinely deserving and economically weaker beneficiaries.
The Subhadra Yojana was introduced to provide financial security to women aged between 21 and 60 years, offering ₹10,000 per year in two instalments for a period of five years. The total assistance under the scheme amounts to ₹50,000, directly credited to the beneficiary’s bank account. The program’s objective is to empower women financially and support them in managing household or personal needs.
Under the new guideline, any woman who receives financial aid equal to or above ₹1,500 per month or ₹18,000 per year from any central or state government scheme, including scholarships or pensions, will be considered ineligible for the Subhadra Yojana. This condition includes students or women who are already beneficiaries of high-value scholarship programs.
Officials explained that this decision has been taken to avoid duplication of benefits and to ensure that government assistance is distributed fairly. Many women in Odisha already receive financial help under various welfare schemes, and this move will redirect Subhadra Yojana funds to those who are not covered elsewhere.
Applicants and existing beneficiaries have been advised to verify their financial assistance records before applying or reapplying for the scheme. If a woman’s annual scholarship or financial aid is less than ₹18,000, she may still be eligible, provided other requirements such as age, residency, and valid identification documents are fulfilled.
The government aims to make the Subhadra Yojana more inclusive by prioritizing women who genuinely need financial support. Those already receiving higher-value scholarships or assistance will be excluded to prevent overlapping benefits and to focus the scheme on low-income households.
This update serves as a reminder for all beneficiaries to ensure transparency while submitting details for government schemes. Accurate declarations will help avoid disqualification and maintain fairness in the selection process. The revised rule is part of the state’s effort to strengthen the welfare system and ensure equitable distribution of public funds among women who need it most.
