In the past few years, the Odisha Government has introduced a series of unique programs for women and girl children. These programs introduced for financial support and assistance through education and investment to address the notable situation faced by women and girls, are implemented in both rural and urban contexts.
1. KALIA Program/ Scheme: The scheme is the flagship initiated particularly to support farmers, especially women. It supports small and marginal farmers, along with the landless, agricultural laborers, and those engaged in fishing and animal husbandry, through direct assistance. The scheme provides financial assistance of up to Rs 10,000 per family. Through this, women are not only financially independent but also become important decision-makers within their households and communities
2. Mamata Scheme: The Mamata Scheme is another important Yojana to promote maternal health and lower infant mortality rates. Under this scheme, pregnant women are given financial assistance for their nutritional and healthcare needs while pregnant and after delivery. This scheme is especially beneficial in rural areas. Under the Mamata scheme, women can receive up to Rs 5,000, which they can use to support medical costs, transport, and other needs.
3. Biju Sishu Suraksha Yojana: The scheme works to protect the girl child by creating various opportunities to access their basic rights i.e. education, nutrition, and health by providing financial assistance for the care of children in orphanages and child care institutions. This program pays particular attention to the education of the girl child and aims to eliminate child labor, child marriage, and other forms of exploitation to them.
4. Kalinga Utkalika Yojana: This Yojana provides vocational training and skill-development modules for women, arming them with skills to engage in a range of sectors such as textiles, handicrafts, and information technology. It provides training those sectors that have significant demand and allows women to earn and become financially independent. The scheme not only aims to enhance the employability of women.
5. Vimukti Yojana: The Yojana aims to stop violence against women. The program provides multiple services for women who are survivors of violence, including legal aid, a helpline, psychological counseling, and safe spaces. It also works on increasing awareness about women's rights and advocating for gender-sensitive approaches in the community.
6. Sambal Yojana: This yojana aims to provide financial security to the families living below the poverty line, with a focus on women-headed households. It also allows access for essential state welfare services like health, education, and nutrition. Under this scheme, women can become eligible for free electricity connections as well as financial assistance for children's education.
7. Biju Kanya Ratna Yojana: The scheme aims is to secure each girl child equal access to opportunities in which the girls will receive free education, scholarships, and health services from birth until they complete their schooling. Furthermore, incentives are also provided to families for sending their daughters to school, ensuring that no girl is left behind from school due to financial issues. This Yojana is a long-term plan to invest in Odisha's girls for a competent life in having healthy and empowered children, lives of success, and fulfilling futures.
8. The Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY): This is a flagship scheme launched by the Government of India under the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Scheme to secure the future of girl children. It aims at encouraging families to save for their daughter's education and marriage expenses. The scheme is applicable to individuals who are parents or guardians of a girl child, the bank account can be opened in the name of the girl child who is less than 10 years old with a minimum deposit of Rs 250 and a maximum of Rs 1.5 lakh, can be deposited in the bank account in a financial year.
9. Mahila Samriddhi Yojana: While Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana focuses on the financial and socio-economic status of girl children, the Mahila Samriddhi Yojana is a scheme that has been launched to empower adult women and girl children as well economically. The scheme aims at saving, financial independence along with entrepreneurship opportunities for women. The scheme is targeted to women from marginalized and rural backgrounds, especially women from low-income families, intended to raise their social and economic status.
10. Subhadra Yojana: It is one of the key initiatives launched by the Government of Odisha to empower women, aimed at improving the socio-economic condition of women. This scheme focuses on providing financial support, access to healthcare, and promoting educational opportunities. This Yojana plays a crucial role in fostering gender equality and women’s empowerment across the state.
