Bhubaneswar, Sep 20: In a major push toward women’s economic empowerment, the Odisha government has announced the construction of 'Subhadra Shakti Bazaar' in Bhubaneswar and across all districts of the state.

These dedicated marketplaces will serve as platforms for Self-Help Groups (SHGs) to showcase and sell their locally produced goods.

The initiative was revealed by Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida in a written reply to the Odisha Legislative Assembly. She emphasized that the bazaars will help streamline the marketing and distribution of SHG products, ranging from handicrafts and textiles to organic foods and household items.

As part of the government’s broader mission to promote women-led enterprises, the Deputy CM shared that Odisha has already created 16.36 lakh ‘Lakhpati Didis’— who have earned Rs 1 lakh or more through SHG activities. In the fiscal year 2024–25, the government has disbursed Rs 17,454.74 crore in loans to 3,52,738 SHGs, enabling them to scale operations and boost income, said the Deputy Chief Minister.

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She said that the Subhadra Shakti Bazaars are expected to build on the success of events like the Subhadra Shakti Mela 2025 in Bhubaneswar, which generated Rs 5 crore in business and empowered over 400 women entrepreneurs. These bazaars will act as permanent hubs for rural and urban SHGs to connect with consumers, expand their reach, and contribute to Odisha’s growing women-led economy.

A total of 1,09,87,894 women have applied for benefits under the scheme. Of them, 1,02,80,092 beneficiaries received the first installment and 1,96,307 beneficiaries received the second installment, while 1,83,785 applicants were excluded, she added.

Furthermore, 96,96,955 beneficiaries received the third installment, while 3,99,352 women were excluded.

The Subhadra Yojana, launched in 2024, provides Rs 50,000 over five years to eligible women aged 21–60, disbursed in biannual installments of Rs 5,000.

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