Odisha’s Subhadra Scheme Boosts Women’s Savings by 45%, SBI Study Finds
Bhubaneswar: The Subhadra Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) scheme, launched in September 2024, is showing remarkable results in empowering women across Odisha.
According to a study by SBI Research, women beneficiaries have recorded a 45% rise in savings and a 28% increase in spending, reflecting stronger financial participation and household resilience.
The study, based on a sample of over 1.6 lakh individuals, revealed that the average six‑month bank balances of beneficiaries rose from Rs 15,146 to Rs 22,033.
Withdrawals also increased from Rs 6,937 to Rs 8,857, indicating improved consumption and financial stability.
Researchers used a difference‑in‑differences approach to compare beneficiaries with non‑beneficiaries, finding significant positive spillovers across households and local economies.
The scheme, named after Goddess Subhadra, symbolises women’s empowerment and highlights Odisha’s commitment to inclusive growth.
Experts believe the program is not only strengthening household finances but also fostering broader economic participation, especially among families previously excluded from formal financial systems.
