Subhadra Yojana in achieving social justice: A socio-legal and economic perspective in Odisha

Abstract

The Subhadra Yojana is a women-centric welfare scheme in Odisha aimed at promoting economic empowerment and social justice. By providing direct financial support and enhancing women’s decision-making capacity, the program seeks to address gender disparities and foster inclusive development. This paper examines the Subhadra Yojana, a women-focused welfare scheme in Odisha, assessing its role in promoting economic well-being, social justice, and women’s empowerment. This study highlights the scheme’s positive impact on financial autonomy, decision-making, and social recognition of women, incorporating the perceptual outlook of the beneficiaries gathered through interviews and structured questionnaires. Further, empirical research is employed to yield evidence-based insights into how the welfare scheme operates in practice, revealing its real impacts, existing gaps, and informing areas for policy improvement. While the Subhadra Yojana demonstrates significant economic and empowerment gains, challenges such as social norms, digital literacy gaps, and implementation barriers limit its full potential, pointing to the need for targeted policy enhancements.