Bhubaneswar (Odisha) [India], August 24 (ANI): BJD president and Leader of Opposition in the Odisha Assembly, Naveen Patnaik, criticised the BJP government over the Subhadra scheme, which was announced by the Odisha government on August 23.

Taking to social media platform X, Patnaik said the BJP had given a "guarantee" to provide Rs 50,000 to every woman in the State but now they are paying only Rs 5000 and that is also not to all women in the state.

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"The BJP had given a 'guarantee' to give Rs 50,000 to each woman. During the election, they said 50,000 rupees, but they are paying only 5,000 rupees. The BJP had also promised to provide the money to all women in the state. But only one in every three women will benefit. Is this the BJP's guarantee to mothers?" asked Patnaik.

"About 2.25 crore women out of our 4.5 crore population were expected to be included under the scheme. But now, according to the BJP government, only 70 lakh women can be involved," the BJD chief said.

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"Then what is the meaning of the BJP government's inclusion of 'every' woman in this scheme? What is the BJP's guarantee to mothers?" Patnaik questioned.

The BJD chief said that the amount the BJP government is giving to the women will be of no use since it's very little to do business with.

"The women had many hopes. If they get the money, they will do some good work or do business. The government is now saying that only Rs 5,000 will be given to them in 6 months, which is only Rs 800 per month. What will it do?" asked the BJD president.

Patnaik said that the women could have used the money for any work if they had received an incentive of Rs 50,000. They would have been empowered by doing some business and advancing in society.

"The BJP government has said that they will borrow Rs 50,000 crore in the current budget to implement the Subhadra or some other promised scheme. Our mothers and sisters have to understand this with interest, as it is not government money; it is borrowed money. Will it enable women's empowerment?, asked Patnaik.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi had earlier announced the approval of an initiative for women's empowerment, Subhadra, in the state legislative assembly.

"I take this opportunity on this auspicious day to inform this House about the approval of a path-breaking initiative for women's empowerment, Subhadra, by the state cabinet. As decided by the state cabinet in its meeting held on August 22, 2024, at Lok Seva Bhawan, the scheme has been approved for implementation from the financial year 2024-25 to the financial year 2028-29. An outlay of Rs 55,825.00 crore has been made for this initiative," a press release from the CMO said on Friday.

According to the CMO, Subhadra will transform the lives of more than 1 crore women in the state. It will cover all eligible women aged 21 years or above and less than 60 years old.

A total of Rs 10,000 per annum will be paid in two instalments of Rs 5000 each on Rakhi Purnima Day and International Women's Day (March 8). Thus, an eligible woman beneficiary will get Rs 50,000 in total in five years, the CMO said. (ANI)

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