The SUBHADRA Card is a key component of the Odisha Government’s SUBHADRA Yojana, designed to empower women across the state. This flagship initiative aims to provide financial assistance and enhance financial literacy among women, offering them a robust tool for accessing various benefits. This article delves into the details of the SUBHADRA Card, including its benefits, application process, and important guidelines.
What is the SUBHADRA Card?
The SUBHADRA Card is an ATM-cum-debit card issued to beneficiaries under the SUBHADRA Yojana. It serves as a medium for distributing financial support and incentives directly to women’s bank accounts, ensuring a streamlined and transparent disbursement process.
Benefits of the SUBHADRA Card
- Financial Support: Each eligible beneficiary receives financial assistance amounting to ₹50,000 over a period of five years, with annual installments of ₹10,000. This amount is credited in two installments of ₹5,000 each per year.
- First Installment: Released on Rakhi Purnima.
- Second Installment: Released on International Women’s Day (March 8).
- Incentives for Digital Transactions: To promote digital literacy and financial inclusion, the cardholders who perform the highest number of digital transactions in their Gram Panchayat/Urban Local Body (ULB) will be rewarded with an additional ₹500.
- Easy Access: The SUBHADRA Card facilitates direct benefit transfers (DBT) into the beneficiary’s Aadhaar-enabled and DBT-enabled bank account. This ensures that funds are transferred efficiently and securely.
Eligibility Criteria for the SUBHADRA Card
To qualify for the SUBHADRA Card, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Residency: Must be a resident of Odisha.
- Income and Food Security:
- Covered under National Food Security Act (NFSA) or State Food Security Scheme (SFSS).
- Alternatively, family income must not exceed ₹2.50 lakh per annum if not covered under NFSA/SFSS.
- Age: Applicants should be between 21 and 60 years old as of the qualifying date.
- Exclusions:
- Women receiving financial assistance of ₹1,500 per month or ₹18,000 per annum or more from any State or Central Government scheme.
- Women who are current or former MPs, MLAs, income tax payers, public representatives, or government employees.
- Owners of 4-wheeler motor vehicles (except for specific types), or families owning more than 5 acres of irrigated or 10 acres of non-irrigated land.
Application Process
- Online Application: Applicants can apply through the official SUBHADRA portal.
- Offline Application: Forms are available at Anganwadi Centres, Block Offices, Urban Local Body Offices, Mo Seba Kendras, and Common Service Centres.
- Submission: Completed forms must be submitted at the nearest Mo Seba Kendra or Common Service Centre.
- Verification: Applications will be verified against government databases and through field enquiries. Applicants need to complete e-KYC formalities, preferably through face-authentication via the SUBHADRA Mobile application.
Required Documents
Applicants need to provide the following documents to receive the SUBHADRA Card:
- Aadhaar Card: The card must be in the applicant’s name.
- Bank Account: A single-holder bank account that is Aadhaar-enabled and DBT-enabled.
- Proof of Residency: Documents confirming residency in Odisha.
- Income Proof: If not covered under NFSA/SFSS, proof of family income not exceeding ₹2.50 lakh.
- Age Proof: Age verification through Aadhaar or other government documents.
Transparency and Grievance Redressal
To ensure transparency and address grievances:
- Official Website: Visit subhadra.odisha.gov.in for real-time updates and information.
- Helpline Number: 14678 for assistance and queries.
- Grievance Mechanism: Includes a centralized call centre, grievance camps at various levels, and an integrated grievance redressal system on the SUBHADRA portal.
Conclusion
The SUBHADRA Card is a significant step towards empowering women in Odisha by providing financial support and promoting digital transactions. Through this initiative, the state government aims to improve the socio-economic status of women, enhance financial literacy, and foster personal and professional growth. For more information or to apply, visit the official website or contact the helpline.
By understanding the details and requirements of the SUBHADRA Card, eligible women can take full advantage of the benefits provided under the SUBHADRA Yojana and contribute to their financial empowerment and independence.
