On his 74th birthday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Subhadra Yojana, a women-focused initiative by the Odisha government. He also unveiled key railway and national highway projects in the state valued at over Rs 3,800 crore. This is PM Modi's first major launch of central projects after the BJP won the Odisha Assembly elections for the first time in the state.
PM Modi laid the foundation stones for railway projects amounting to Rs 2,871 crore and dedicated them to the nation. Additionally, he introduced national highway projects worth Rs 1,000 crore during a ceremony held at Janata Maidan, Bhubaneswar.
The Subhadra Yojana is designed to benefit eligible women aged 21 to 60. Under the scheme, beneficiaries will receive Rs 50,000 over a span of five years, from 2024-25 to 2028-29. The funds will be transferred in two annual instalments of Rs 10,000, directly credited to their bank accounts.
So far, 76 lakh women have registered for the scheme. As part of the programme, more than Rs 1,250 crore was disbursed to the bank accounts of over 25 lakh women beneficiaries under the Subhadra Yojana.
After landing in Odisha, PM Modi said: "Bhubaneswar accorded me an exceptional welcome. The pouring rains couldn’t dampen people’s enthusiasm. I am honoured to be in the land of Mahaprabhu Jagannath, among the people of Odisha. This state has reposed great faith in us and we will leave no stone unturned in fulfilling people’s aspirations."
PM Modi also met the beneficiaries of the central government's Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana. Sharing a picture of his visit to a beneficiary's family, PM Modi said: "Upon landing in Bhubaneswar, went to the home of Antrajamai Nayak and Jahaja Nayak. They have benefitted from the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana and are proud homeowners. Also met their family including their adorable grandchild, Soumyajit. The Nayak family also served delicious Khiri."
(With inputs from PTI.)