SUBHADRA Yojana: BMC Mayor questions successful implementation of scheme, Dy CM retaliates

While the Odisha government on Sunday transferred Rs 1 each to all the SUBHADRA Yojana applicants for a verification process, Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) Mayor Sulochana Das has sparked a war of words by raising questions on the successful implementation of the new BJP government’s flagship welfare scheme.

Speaking to media, Das said, “Many women are coming to us with doubts about the scheme. While the government has set a target to include over 1 crore women under the scheme, less than 50 lakh women have applied for the scheme so far.”

“There is a need to clarify the doubts about how they can use Rs 5000 to become self-reliant as they are not trained. Apart from awareness drives, efforts should be taken to train the applicants. The applicants also should know how to utilise the money,” Das added. 

Reacting to Das’ statement, Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, who also holds the Women and Child Development portfolio, said that the Opposition is there to criticise only. 

“The Opposition is there to criticise, while the government will ensure to fulfil the promises,” Parida said.

Replying to Das’ question on the continuation of the Self Help Group (SHG) schemes, the Deputy CM said it is there and will also continue in the future.

“The SHG scheme and the department are there. They have included 70 lakh women in the scheme and we are adding over 1 crore beneficiaries. What is wrong with it,” Parida asked.