Bhubaneswar: Odisha government’s flagship Subhadra Yojana, which aims at empowering women across the state, is set to complete two years on Thursday.
Celebrations have been planned across the state an appeal has been made to people to light lamps at their homes to mark the occasion.
Speaking ahead of the second anniversary of the ambitious scheme, Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida said the day will be celebrated in a big way across the state. The occasion will be marked with rangoli programmes, competitions and other events planned at 338 locations. The scheme was launched on September 17, 2024 after BJP formed government in the state.
At the district level, rangoli programmes will be organised at the offices of District Welfare Officers, Central Project offices and Anganwadi offices. Competitions and celebrations will also be held at 338 locations.
People will be encouraged to light lamps from 6 pm to 7 pm on September 17. The initiative is aimed at marking the occasion and highlighting the scheme’s focus on women, the Deputy CM said.
She further stated that girls in Odisha who have turned 21 will be welcomed as new ‘Subhadras’.
According to government data, an amount of Rs 25,800 crore has been provided to beneficiaries under the scheme over two years. Over 1.03 crore women have benefited from the scheme so far.
The latest instalment was released in August 2026 to 1,03,26,162 beneficiaries. More than Rs 5,160 crore was disbursed directly into their bank accounts.
“I believe all the Subhadra beneficiaries must also be feeling thrilled about it. Just as we celebrated the first anniversary in a grand manner last year, we will celebrate it this year as well. When we celebrated the first year, Rs 10,000 crore was credited to the accounts of the beneficiaries,” said Parida.
“We will light lamps tomorrow, September 17, from 6 pm to 7 pm. We will all light the lamps with the resolution that they will symbolise new hope and opportunities in the lives of Odia women. We will connect everyone. We are also happy to welcome all girls in Odisha who are turning 21 as new ‘Subhadras’,” she said.
Parida further stated that the Subhadra portal will reopen from April 1 next year for one month to allow new applicants to register. The portal will follow the annual schedule of opening for a month at the beginning of the financial year, she added.
