Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on September 17, will embark on a crucial one-day visit to Odisha, where he will unveil the state’s new 'Subhadra' Yojana and lay the foundation for transformative railway projects worth Rs 2,800 crore.

The 'Subhadra' Yojana, a women-centric initiative, aims to support over one crore women in Odisha. Under this scheme, eligible women aged 21 to 60 will receive Rs 50,000 over a period of five years, with annual installments of Rs 10,000 paid in two equal tranches. The payments will be made directly into beneficiaries’ Aadhaar-enabled bank accounts. To mark the launch, Modi will initiate fund transfers for more than 10 lakh women, with payments scheduled for Rakhi Purnima and International Women’s Day over the next five years. Each recipient will also receive a Subhadra debit card issued by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).

The excitement around the scheme has led to long queues and overnight stays at Aadhaar enrolment centers. Sumati Rout, a 57-year-old from Sahaspur village, told The Indian Express: “I tried to enrol during the day at two other common service centres but couldn’t because of long queues. I heard enrolment was also done at night at this centre, which is why I came.”

However, the rush has not been without its frustrations. Villagers have reported persistent delays and difficulties, with some women travelling repeatedly to resolve Aadhaar issues, Hindustan Times reported. A woman from Bhograi expressed her frustration, stating, “They have been making us run from pillar to post since the last four days. Every time we go, they ask us to come the next day, but not doing any Aadhaar correction. We have come here every day, leaving behind our children at home.”

In Nayagarh district, many spent the night at Aadhaar enrolment centers, while Bhadrak district saw a mad rush for the same. Allegations of corruption have also emerged, with reports of Anganwadi workers demanding money for enrollment forms, HT reports. Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida has vowed to take strict action against any misconduct. “I want to assure all women that they need not rush to Aadhaar centres for mobile phone linking. For enrolment on Subhadra portal, biometrics would also do. Those who would not get the money on September 17, would surely get after that. Not a single eligible beneficiary would be left out,” said Parida.

As the scheme rolls out, 33-year-old Aarti Pati from Sahaspur Seva Kendra told the Indian Express, “We know there is no deadline but we’ll lose one instalment if we don’t enrol now. That’s why we have decided to turn up at night.”

The 'Subhadra' Yojana, named after Goddess Subhadra, aims to provide significant financial support to women and is expected to bolster the BJP’s position in Odisha by addressing a key voter base previously engaged by the BJD’s Mission Shakti scheme.