Bhubaneswar, Jan 13: Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida has announced a major expansion of the Subhadra Yojana, ensuring financial assistance reaches lakhs of women across the state. By January 18, funds under the scheme will be credited directly to beneficiaries’ accounts, marking a significant step in women’s empowerment.

According to the Deputy CM, 4,57,681 women have already been included in the scheme. Additionally, 1,78,398 new beneficiaries will receive their first installment, while 2,55,265 women who missed out on earlier installments will now receive both the first and second installments together.

Furthermore, 24,018 women identified during grievance hearings have also been added. In total, ₹250 crore will be disbursed, strengthening the financial independence of women across the state.

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Alongside Subhadra Yojana, the Deputy CM launched the “Aame Padhiba Aama Bhasare” initiative, enabling children in Anganwadi centres to learn in 21 tribal mother tongues. This move, aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP 2020), ensures that tribal children can access early education in their native languages, preserving cultural identity while improving learning outcomes.

In a parallel effort, the government has rolled out a 100-day statewide campaign against child marriage, aiming to build a progressive Odisha free from early marriages. The campaign will also focus on preventing teenage pregnancies through awareness drives.

Mayurbhanj and Malkangiri districts have been chosen as pilot projects, where school teachers, Self-Help Groups (SHGs), and Anganwadi workers will play a crucial role in strict enforcement.

Deputy CM Parida also inaugurated new facilities of the State Women and Child Welfare Institution in Barpali (Bargarh district) and a staff quarter in Kandhamal, further strengthening institutional support for women and children.