Collaboration Aims to Empower Women Entrepreneurs and Drive Positive Socio-Economic Change in Odisha
IIM Sambalpur has joined forces with the Odisha Government to take the Subhadra Scheme to the next level, providing research-driven insights, strategic recommendations, and policy expertise to optimize the scheme’s reach and effectiveness. This partnership promises to empower women across Odisha by enhancing financial independence, digital literacy, and access to social safety nets.
Strengthening Women’s Empowerment with Subhadra Scheme
The Subhadra scheme, launched by the Odisha Government’s Women and Child Development Department, is a flagship initiative designed to empower women by providing financial support and fostering entrepreneurship. The scheme aims to uplift women through direct financial assistance, incentivizing digital transactions, and enhancing their socio-economic conditions. It was one of the key promises made by the BJP during the 2024 Odisha elections.
One of the successful beneficiaries, Monalisa Mohanty, who started her tailoring shop with the first two instalments of Subhadra funding, represents the positive impact of the scheme. Similarly, Nayana Subudhi, another beneficiary, is contemplating the best use of her funds, either for farming or opening a village shop. While some women like Monalisa have found their entrepreneurial path, others, like Nayana, are still exploring the most beneficial use of their funds.
Recognizing the importance of guiding and supporting these women, IIM Sambalpur has partnered with the Odisha Government to lend direction and assistance to ensure that all beneficiaries make the most out of the scheme. The institute aims to provide data-driven research and expert policy recommendations to refine the scheme and enhance its impact.
MoU Signing: A Step Forward in the Collaboration
At the Utkarsh Odisha business conclave, IIM Sambalpur signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Department of Women and Child Development to formalize this collaboration. Under the MoU, IIM Sambalpur will contribute to the scheme by providing critical research, policy recommendations, and performance assessments to ensure its success.
The partnership will focus on:
- Impact Assessments: IIM Sambalpur will conduct research to assess the real-time impact of the Subhadra scheme on beneficiaries and their communities.
- Policy Recommendations: The institute will offer suggestions to refine the scheme’s objectives and delivery mechanisms, ensuring more effective implementation.
- Monitoring and Evaluation: Developing frameworks to track the scheme’s progress and outcomes, helping the Odisha government identify areas for improvement.
Director IIM Sambalpur, Prof. Mahadeo Jaiswal, highlighted the institute’s commitment to driving impactful policy changes. He stated, “This partnership aligns with our mission to apply rigorous research and strategic insights to empower women entrepreneurs and uplift communities across Odisha.”
Research-Driven Approach for Greater Impact
IIM Sambalpur’s research-driven approach promises to enhance the Subhadra scheme’s effectiveness by providing data insights, thus ensuring better financial literacy, economic opportunities, and child welfare for women beneficiaries. The research will also focus on determining the key factors that contribute to the success of entrepreneurial ventures, ensuring that more women benefit from sustainable financial independence.
Prof. Jaiswal further shared that by March 2025, an impact assessment report of the scheme would be submitted to the Odisha government. Based on this report, IIM Sambalpur will provide actionable recommendations to refine the scheme’s implementation, maximizing its potential to empower women and transform communities.
Key Features of the Subhadra Scheme
The Subhadra scheme provides financial assistance to women beneficiaries in the form of an ATM-cum-debit card, which serves as a tool for financial empowerment and identity. Women eligible for the scheme receive Rs 50,000 over five years, with Rs 10,000 distributed annually from 2024 to 2028.
To further incentivize the adoption of digital transactions, the scheme offers additional rewards. The top 100 women in each Gram Panchayat or Urban Local Body who make the highest number of digital transactions in a year will receive an additional Rs 500.
However, there are eligibility criteria for the scheme. Applicants who already receive financial support, such as pensions, scholarships, or other benefits of Rs 1,500 per month (or Rs 18,000 annually) from any government scheme, are ineligible for Subhadra.
Looking Ahead: A Sustainable Path for Women Entrepreneurs
As IIM Sambalpur moves forward with this partnership, it is confident that its contributions will help shape the future of women’s empowerment in Odisha. By leveraging its expertise in research, policy formulation, and monitoring, the institute aims to turn the Subhadra scheme into a model of success for women’s financial independence and entrepreneurial growth.
The collaboration between IIM Sambalpur and the Odisha Government is an exciting development for women’s empowerment in the state. It promises to create an ecosystem where women entrepreneurs can thrive and contribute to the overall socio-economic development of Odisha.
