Odisha boosts women empowerment with financial, social, and cultural support

Odisha Minister Bibhuti Bhusan Jena highlighted several government initiatives aimed at empowering women, reaffirming the state’s position as a leader in women-centric welfare schemes.

Speaking on the progress of the Lakhpati Didi initiative, Minister Jena stated that Odisha has emerged as the top-performing state in India under the programme, with more than one crore women currently benefiting from its provisions. The scheme aims to enhance financial independence and provide sustainable income-generating opportunities for women across the state.

Minister Jena also detailed the recently launched Ama Subahaka Yojana, which targets 1,100 women over the next four years (2025–2029). Under the scheme, eligible women can secure bank loans of up to Rs 10 lakh, repayable over five years, with the government subsidising the interest at 11% per annum. Women opting for electric vehicles under this programme are eligible for an additional incentive of Rs 2 lakh, promoting both entrepreneurship and sustainable mobility.

In addition, the Odisha government has allocated Rs 3.30 crore in 2025 for the welfare of Habisyali mothers, women pilgrims who observe the month-long Kartik Brata ritual in Puri, marking an increase of Rs 70 lakh from the previous year. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced that from 2026, a digital registration system will be implemented to provide Habisyali mothers with medical and emergency services, ensuring their health and safety while acknowledging their cultural contributions.

Further expansions in women empowerment initiatives include the Atmanirbhar Mahila Su Vahak scheme, supporting women drivers and entrepreneurs with financial aid and bank loans, and the appointment of para-legal volunteers in rural panchayats to provide legal assistance to women facing abuse or criminal acts. The government also plans to introduce 'pink zones' in urban areas to enhance women’s safety and has launched the Green Shakti Leadership initiative in partnership with the Indian School of Business, empowering 30 women-led, forest-based enterprises across six districts, including Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Rayagada, Nabarangpur, Koraput, and Malkangiri.

These initiatives reflect Odisha’s comprehensive approach to women empowerment, combining financial support, social welfare, legal protection, safety measures, and cultural recognition.