In a bold departure from the past, Odisha’s newly elected Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government unveiled its inaugural budget, marked by a significant shift away from the legacy of the previous Biju Janata Dal (BJD) administration. The budget, with a total outlay of Rs 2.65 lakh crore, represents a 15% increase over the previous year and introduces a slew of rebranded schemes and innovative initiatives.
Empowering Women: SUBHADRA Yojana Takes Center Stage
A cornerstone of the BJP’s budgetary vision is the ambitious SUBHADRA Yojana, a flagship program aimed at empowering women through financial assistance. With a substantial allocation of Rs 10,000 crore, the scheme is poised to provide vouchers of up to Rs 50,000 to women, redeemable within two years. While the detailed guidelines are still under development, this initiative underscores the government’s commitment to uplifting women and fulfilling a key campaign promise.
Redefining Healthcare: Gopabandhu Jana Arogya Yojana Replaces Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana
In a notable departure from the previous administration’s nomenclature, the government has rebranded the Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana as the Gopabandhu Jana Arogya Yojana, signifying a fresh approach to healthcare delivery. The revamped scheme promises cashless medical treatment up to Rs 5 lakh for nearly 96 lakh families, with an enhanced coverage of Rs 10 lakh for women. This strategic move aligns with the BJP’s vision of providing comprehensive healthcare access to the state’s populace.
Balancing Tradition and Progress: Setu Bandhan Yojana Replaces Biju Setu Yojana
Another key transition is the renaming of the Biju Setu Yojana, a rural bridge construction program, to the Setu Bandhan Yojana. With an allocation of Rs 1,990 crore, this initiative reflects the government’s commitment to infrastructure development while distancing itself from the previous regime’s branding. Additionally, a dedicated allocation of Rs 200 crore has been earmarked for Odia Asmita, a project aimed at promoting Odia cultural pride.
Key Learnings:
| Point | Description |
|---|---|
| SUBHADRA Yojana | Flagship program aimed at empowering women through financial assistance with an allocation of Rs 10,000 crore. |
| Gopabandhu Jana Arogya Yojana | Replaces Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana, offering enhanced cashless medical treatment with a focus on women’s health. |
| Setu Bandhan Yojana | Replaces Biju Setu Yojana, focusing on rural bridge construction with an allocation of Rs 1,990 crore. |
| Odia Asmita | Dedicated allocation of Rs 200 crore to promote Odia cultural pride. |
Summary
Odisha’s maiden BJP budget signals a transformative shift in governance, marked by a departure from the previous administration’s legacy and the introduction of innovative schemes. The budget prioritizes women’s empowerment through the SUBHADRA Yojana, redefines healthcare delivery with the Gopabandhu Jana Arogya Yojana, and continues infrastructure development with the Setu Bandhan Yojana. This budgetary approach reflects the BJP’s commitment to fulfilling campaign promises while establishing its own distinct identity in the state’s political landscape.
Soumya Smruti Sahoo is a seasoned journalist with extensive experience in both international and Indian news writing. With a sharp analytical mind and a dedication to uncovering the truth, Soumya has built a reputation for delivering in-depth, well-researched articles that provide readers with a clear understanding of complex global and domestic issues. Her work reflects a deep commitment to journalistic integrity, making her a trusted source for accurate and insightful news coverage.
