Subhadra Yojana application process for new beneficiaries to start tomorrow

Applications for the Odisha government's ambitious Subhadra Yojana will officially commence tomorrow to enrol new beneficiaries. Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida announced that individuals aged 21 years and above are eligible to apply online through the dedicated Subhadra portal. While those who have reached 20 or 21 years of age can submit their initial applications, beneficiaries will be registered under the scheme upon officially turning 21.

Eligibility and Application Process Details

The online portal will be accessible to all eligible applicants across the state, with the exception of areas where the Model Code of Conduct is currently in force. The scheme primarily targets women aged between 21 and 60 years.

Also Read: Odisha girls receiving Rs 18,000 or more as scholarships declared ineligible for Subhadra Yojana

Strict Exclusion Criteria for Beneficiaries

In a crucial clarification issued earlier, the Odisha government stated that female students receiving Rs 18,000 or more annually (as scholarships or assistance) from other state or central government schemes will be deemed ineligible for the Subhadra Yojana. This measure aims to prevent duplication of benefits and ensure assistance reaches those most in need. To enforce this, the Women and Child Development Department has initiated a robust verification process.

Data Collection Underway for Verification

The Women and Child Development Department has requested comprehensive data from the Higher Education Department and the Department of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Minorities. This crucial information includes the number of girls aged 21 or above who received Rs 18,000 or more in a single financial year for both the 2023-24 and 2024-25 fiscal years, explicitly excluding arrear-based disbursements.

This stringent review comes amidst earlier student grievances concerning the appropriate use of scholarship funds for academic purposes. Upon review, students identified as exceeding the Rs 18,000 annual threshold will be removed from the Subhadra Assistance Programme for the specified financial years, ensuring adherence to the scheme's revised guidelines.