Digital rupee in Subhadra Yojana: How Odisha uses future technology for women welfare

In September 2024, the Odisha government disbursed the first round of funds to eligible women beneficiaries of its ambitious Subhadra Yojana. While aimed at women’s welfare, the scheme was also the first government scheme to offer payments in the form of the Digital Rupee by integrating the RBI’s Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC).

Under the welfare scheme, eligible women beneficiaries aged 21-60 will receive Rs 50,000 in the form of Rs 10,000 per year, disbursed in two equal instalments for five years.

However, in many ways, Subhadra Yojana not only provides financial assistance to women but also sets a new benchmark in government-backed digital welfare programs. Further, the use of CBDC ensures that financial aid reaches women directly, without intermediaries, reducing delays and corruption.

Subhadra Yojana: CBDC and Digital Platforms' Integration 

Subhadra Yojana introduced CBDC to the masses at a time when the initiative had just begun gathering steam in many major cities of India. To help Odia women, local bank branches and government representatives assisted beneficiaries with opening digital rupee wallets and educating them on how to use this new form of currency.

Further, the Subhadra Yojana also leveraged several technologies for funds disbursement. It uses the Jan Dhan Yojana (JDY) accounts, Aadhaar, and mobile numbers for direct benefit transfer (DBT).

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Granting Independence and Minimising Corruption:

The various technologies and computerised systems used for the Subhadra Yojana enhanced transparency and efficiency, ensuring that the funds were delivered promptly and securely. Further, by utilizing digital platforms, Subhadra Yojana minimizes the risks associated with traditional cash transactions.

Beneficiaries can spend their digital rupee using UPI QR codes, transfer it to their bank accounts, or withdraw cash as needed, ensuring that the aid can be used for various purposes, promoting financial inclusion of women in the state.

Subhadra Yojana also helped combat corruption by eliminating middlemen. It also crossed out the need for extensive paperwork as online web portals helped applicants fill in their data from anywhere. All of these measures turned out to be major milestones.

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Empowering Women Financially Through Digital Literacy:

On January 29, Odisha’s Deputy CM Pravati Parida announced three new initiatives under the Subhadra Yojana, namely the Suna Subhadra, Kuha Subhadra, and Subhadra Setu programmes.

Suna Subhadra aims to empower citizens to engage with relevant departments, Kuha Subhadra facilitates open communication between the department and beneficiaries, and finally, Subhadra Setu connects beneficiaries reaching the age of 21, promoting women's empowerment through dedicated training.

All of these initiatives aim to foster self-reliance and economic independence among women.

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Digital Rupee in Subhadra Improved Govt's Welfare Schemes:

The integration of the Digital Rupee in the Subhadra Yojana and the use of cutting-edge technology for women's welfare gave a massive boost to welfare schemes by the Odisha government.

By modernizing subsidy delivery and promoting digital transactions, the scheme set a precedent for future government programs while also being the first of its kind in the entire country, with respect to the use of the digital rupee.

The Subhadra Yojana not only empowers women financially but also enhances their socio-economic status, paving the way for a brighter and more inclusive future in Odisha.