International Women’s Day Celebrated in Ganjam
News,Odishabarta
International Women’s Day Celebrated in Ganjam; Rs 456 Crore Assistance Released under Subhadra Scheme
A strong step towards achieving the goals of ‘Viksit Odisha 2036’ and ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’
“When a girl is educated, entire family is enlightened”: Collector, Ganjam
Chhatrapur, March 8, 2026: International Women’s Day was celebrated by the Ganjam District Administration and the District Social Welfare Department with enthusiasm at a district-level programme held at the Rishikulya Conference Hall today.
On this occasion, financial assistance under the fourth installment of the State Government’s flagship women empowerment scheme Subhadra was disbursed to the beneficiaries of the Ganjam District under the guidance of Minister for Commerce & Transport, Steel and Mines, Bibhuti Bhusan Jena. Across the state, more than one crore women beneficiaries received the fourth installment of Rs 5,000 each, amounting to more than Rs 5,000 crore in total financial assistance.
In Ganjam district, 9,12,408 beneficiaries received the fourth installment under the Subhadra scheme, with a total amount of Rs 456 crore 20 lakh 40 thousand transferred directly to their bank accounts. Earlier, 9,31,841 beneficiaries had received the first installment, 9,16,885 beneficiaries the second installment, and 9,17,498 beneficiaries the third installment in the district.
District Collector V. Keerthi Vasan said the Subhadra scheme has become a milestone in strengthening the economic and social empowerment of women, particularly in rural areas. He added that the initiative is not only contributing to the economic development of Ganjam district but is also a strong step towards achieving the goals of “Viksit Odisha 2036” and “Viksit Bharat 2047.” Emphasizing the importance of education, the Collector stated that when a girl is educated, it enlightens not only her life but also her family and society.
The Collector also highlighted that Odisha is the only state providing interest-free loans up to Rs 10 lakh to Self-Help Groups, urging women to take advantage of the opportunity to strengthen the rural economy and improve their livelihoods.
Addressing the gathering, Additional District Magistrate Dr. Pramod Kumar Prusty said a society that respects women becomes prosperous and progressive. He paid tribute to the strength and contribution of women on the occasion.
District Social Welfare Officer Vijaya Lakshmi Behera informed participants about various institutional mechanisms, legal provisions, medical and counselling support systems available for women. She also advised women to seek assistance through the 181 Women Helpline and 1098 Child Helpline in times of need.
The programme was attended by Chief Development Officer and Executive Officer of Zilla Parishad Bijay Kumar Behera, Social Welfare Officer Parbati Soren, District Information & Public Relations Officer Saurav Pradhan, along with departmental officials, Child Development Project Officers, Anganwadi workers, Self-Help Group members, women and girls. UNICEF District Coordinator Debabrata Mahunt coordinated the event.
On the occasion, several field-level functionaries were felicitated for their outstanding performance in strengthening child development and nutrition programmes under Poshan Abhiyan (2025–26). Winners of various competitions organised as part of the International Women’s Day celebrations were also honoured.
Cultural performances were presented by women working under the Rangeilunda ICDS project and students from Chhatrapur, including the presentation of the “Nirbhaya Kadhi” and other dance performances.
