Odisha’s ‘Cradle-to-Career’ Vision: CM Announces ₹1 Lakh Bonus for Women Graduates

In a significant step toward strengthening gender-responsive governance, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has announced the launch of the Mukhyamantri Kanya Sumangala Yojana, a landmark welfare scheme aimed at supporting girls from economically weaker sections of society.

The announcement was made during the state budget presentation, highlighting the government’s renewed focus on long-term empowerment of women and girls.

Empowering the Next Generation

Under the Mukhyamantri Kanya Sumangala Yojana, the state government will deposit ₹20,000 in the name of every eligible girl child at birth. The initiative is designed to provide early financial security and encourage families to invest in their daughters’ future.

The scheme’s most impactful provision comes at the higher education stage. Girls who successfully complete their graduation will receive a one-time incentive of ₹1,00,101 — a substantial financial reward aimed at promoting degree completion and reducing dropout rates.

“This is not just a subsidy; it is an investment in the intellectual capital of our daughters,” the Chief Minister said during his budget speech.

Strengthening the ‘Subhadra’ Support Ecosystem

Alongside the new scheme, the government has also announced expanded support for beneficiaries under the Subhadra Yojana, reinforcing its broader women-centric welfare framework.

Subhadra Shakti Sambad

A dedicated grievance redressal and communication platform will be launched to address complaints and challenges faced by Subhadra beneficiaries. The initiative aims to ensure faster resolution of issues and improve transparency in service delivery.

Subhadra Wellness Centres

The state will establish specialized wellness centres across Odisha to provide focused healthcare services and nutritional support for women. These centres are expected to strengthen preventive healthcare and maternal wellness services at the grassroots level.

Building a Lifecycle Support System for Women

By combining direct financial assistance at birth, incentives for higher education, healthcare infrastructure, and grievance redressal mechanisms, the Majhi government aims to create a comprehensive lifecycle support model for women.

From financial security at birth to encouragement for academic achievement and improved healthcare access, the 2026 budget outlines a structured approach to dismantle economic barriers that often limit educational and professional opportunities for young women.

The Mukhyamantri Kanya Sumangala Yojana is being seen as a transformative move that could significantly reshape the educational and social landscape for girls in Odisha, reinforcing the state’s commitment to inclusive and sustainable development.