SUBHADRA Yojana promises not kept, alleges Opposition in Odisha Assembly; BJP responds

Even as the registration process for the ambitious SUBHADRA Yojana of BJP-government has started, the Opposition members on Monday created ruckus in Odisha Assembly, prompting the Speaker to adjourn the proceedings of the House.

The Opposition BJD members created ruckus near the Speaker’s podium alleging that the promises made before the launch of Subhadra yojana have not been fulfilled.

Opposition Chief Whip Pramila Mallik said, “What kind of business would one start by Rs 5,000 and become self reliant? The way women have been cheated is unfortunate. They (BJP) had bagged votes by claiming that they would give Rs 50,000 at one go and now they will pay Rs 5,000 in each installment.”

According to Mallik, it is disrespect and neglect of women and they will give a befitting reply to the BJP government. “The BJD government had given interest free loans to women and other financial assistance. The current BJP government has changed them. We demand that the BJP should give Rs 50000 vouchers to each woman,” the Opposition Chief Whip added.

Not only BJD, the Congress members also raised similar demands in the House. Barabati-Cuttack MLA Sofia Firdous said, “We have placed a demand to include women in the age group of 60 to 80 years. As per the present guidelines, those women, who are getting an assistance of Rs 1500, are not eligible. By this, several categories of women like Pachikas and others, who are getting less pension, would be deprived of Subhadra Yojana.”

Firdous said that the government should address the loopholes in Subhadra yojana.

“We have urged the Odisha government to keep its promise made in manifesto and provide Rs 25,000,”said Firdous.

Responding to the Opposition allegations, BJP MLA Babu Singh said, “When Question Hour is in progress, the Opposition members are stalling the proceedings of the House. The people of Odisha are watching those who are obstructing the path of development of the state.”