About The Subhadra Yojana in Odisha: UPSC Current Affairs

Description

SUBHADRA SCHEME

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Picture Courtesy: https://minolta.co.in/odisha-subhadra-yojana.html

Context:

The Prime Minister will launch the Subhadra Yojana in Odisha on 17th September.

Details

The Subhadra Scheme is a welfare programme offering women direct cash support.
It is the initiative of the State Government of Odisha.

Key Features of the Subhadra Scheme
Named After	●The scheme is named after Goddess Subhadra, the sister of Lord Jagannath, who is worshipped alongside her brothers, Lord Jagannath and Lord Balabhadra. ●It makes the scheme culturally relevant and emotionally resonant for the people of Odisha.
Objective	●To provide direct financial support to women beneficiaries from economically weaker sections of Odisha. ●To ensure women’s financial empowerment through direct cash transfers.
Annual Financial Assistance	●Rs 10,000 annually will be paid in two equal instalments of Rs 5,000 each. Disbursed on: Rakhi Purnima (Raksha Bandhan, August). International Women’s Day (March 8).


Mode of Payment	●The amount will be transferred via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to the beneficiaries' Aadhaar-linked bank accounts. ●The scheme requires e-KYC for all beneficiaries to ensure transparency and reduce the possibility of leakages.
Subhadra Debit Card	●The beneficiaries will be issued a Subhadra Debit Card to withdraw money and make digital transactions.
Digital Transaction Incentive	●A digital incentive of Rs 500 will be given to the top 100 beneficiaries with the highest digital transactions in each gram panchayat or urban local body area. ●It aims to encourage digital literacy and usage among rural women.
Eligibility Criteria	●Women aged 21-60 years from economically weaker sections. ●The scheme excludes government employees, income tax payees, and those receiving Rs 1,500 or more monthly from other government schemes.
Eligibility Criteria
Implementation Period	●The scheme will be implemented over five years, from 2024-25 to 2028-29.
Beneficiary Target	●The scheme aims to benefit over one crore women across Odisha by 2028-29.

Some Important initiatives by the Union Government for Women's Empowerment

Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) was launched to address the declining child sex ratio (CSR) and promote the education and survival of the girl child.
Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) provides financial assistance to improve pregnant women's and lactating mothers' health and nutrition.
- - A cash incentive of Rs 5,000 is provided in three instalments to women for their first live birth.
National Nutrition Mission (POSHAN Abhiyaan) aims to improve the nutritional status of pregnant women, lactating mothers, and children under six years.
Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) aims to provide LPG connections to women from Below-Poverty-Line (BPL) households to reduce their dependence on firewood for cooking and ensure better health.
Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY) promote financial security for girl children by encouraging parents to save for their daughters’ education and marriage.
- - High-interest savings accounts for girl children can be opened before age 10. The funds can be used for the girl’s education or marriage once she turns 18.
One Stop Centre Scheme (OSC) provides integrated support and assistance to women affected by violence (both public and private).
- - It offers medical, legal, and psychological support and temporary shelter for distressed women.
Maternity Benefit Amendment Act 2017 extends maternity leave to 26 weeks (from 12 weeks) to ensure the health and well-being of the mother and child.
Swadhar Greh Scheme provides shelter, food, and rehabilitation to women in difficult circumstances, such as widows, victims of domestic violence, and trafficking survivors.
Nirbhaya Fund aimed to enhance the safety and security of women in public spaces and transport.
- - Investments in panic buttons in public transportation, setting up of fast-track courts, and safe city projects.
Support the Training and Employment Program for Women (STEP), which provides skills and training to women to ensure self-employment and economic independence.
Pradhan Mantri Mahila Shakti Kendra promotes women’s empowerment at the grassroots level by providing opportunities for skill development, digital literacy, and access to government schemes.

Must Read Articles:

REPRESENTATION OF WOMEN IN PARLIAMENT

WOMEN AND MEN IN INDIA 2023

WOMEN-LED DEVELOPMENT

SCHEMES FOR WOMEN EMPOWERMENT

Source:

INDIAN EXPRESS

PIB

INDIA TODAY

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q.Consider the following statements in the context of the One Stop Centres (OSCs):

1. They are popularly known as Sakhi Centres.

2. It provides only medical aid and legal counselling.

3. It aims to support women affected by violence.

4. It provides temporary shelter facilities.

How many of the above statements are correct?

A) Only one

B) Only two

C) Only three

D) All four

Answer: C

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct:

The One Stop Centres (OSCs) are also known as Sakhi Centres.

Statement 2 is incorrect:

OSCs provide more than only medical assistance and legal consultation. They offer various services, including medical aid, legal guidance, police facilitation, psychosocial counselling, and temporary shelter.

Statement 3 is correct:

The main objectives of OSCs are to help women who have been victims of violence, whether in private or public areas and to provide prompt assistance.

Statement 4 is correct:

OSCs offer temporary shelter to women who have experienced violence to secure their safety.