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Bhubaneswar: The Mohan government’s Subhadra Scheme has been criticised for being a mere freebie aimed at influencing voters, rather than a genuine effort to empower women. Providing a meagre Rs 833 per month (less than 10 US dollars) to women beneficiaries is insufficient to make a meaningful impact on their lives. The recent implementation of the scheme has been met with a sudden surge in commodity prices in the open market. This phenomenon has raised concerns among consumers and economists alike.

A Missed Opportunity for Women’s Empowerment

This scheme seems to be a tokenistic approach, rather than a comprehensive plan to address the basic questions and concerns of women in Odisha. It is worth noting that the scheme’s launch coincided with a significant price hike in essential commodities, which may further reduce the scheme’s effectiveness. The government should prioritise addressing the underlying issues affecting women’s lives, such as education, healthcare, and economic opportunities, rather than just providing minimal financial assistance.

The Subhadra scheme aims to empower women by providing financial assistance. However, with a paltry amount of Rs 833 a month, it seems to have fallen short of its objective. To begin with, the amount allocated is insufficient to impact the lives of the beneficiaries significantly. The scheme promises to provide Rs 50,000 over five years, but this translates to a mere Rs 833 per month, which is hardly enough to cover basic expenses, let alone empower women financially.

Rising Commodity Prices

Furthermore, the timing of the scheme’s launch could not have been worse. The day it was launched, prices of essential commodities skyrocketed. For instance, the price of engine brand mustard oil jumped by Rs 45 to Rs 185 per liter in a single day. Similar price hikes were observed in other essential commodities. The potato shortage and its associated issues continues to plague consumers while the onion price surge has spiralled out of control. The prices of essential commodities have skyrocketted to unprecedented levels, with no signs of returning to last year’s figures. This raises serious questions about the government’s ability to control inflation and provide meaningful support to women. It indicates a clear interface of traders with the market.

Market Dynamics: Possible Explanations

One possible explanation for this sudden price hike is the increased demand for commodities, driven by the influx of funds into the market through the Subhadra scheme. As beneficiaries receive their financial assistance, they are likely to increase their spending on essential goods, leading to higher demand and, consequently, higher prices. Moreover, the price hikes point to corporate interests at play. Ironically, while one hand offers freebies under government schemes, the other hand takes away the benefits through increased prices. Meanwhile, Odisha is increasingly becoming a market catering to low- and middle-income population, exacerbating the burden of rising costs.

Implications for Consumers

While the Subhadra scheme aims to empower women and promote financial inclusion, the resulting price hike may have adverse effects on consumers, particularly those from low-income backgrounds. The increased cost of living may offset the benefits of the scheme, leaving consumers vulnerable to economic shocks. A thorough analysis of the market reveals a staggering increase in prices across various essential commodities. Some notable examples include:

– Engine brand mustard oil: Rs 145 to Rs 185 per liter (31% hike)

– Palmoline oil: Rs 90 to Rs 133 per liter (48% hike)

– Sunflower oil: Rs 110 to Rs 150 per liter (36% hike)

– Rice: Rs 5 per kilo increase

– Chura: Rs 6 per kilo increase

– Dal: Rs 7-10 per kilo increase

– Flour: Rs 5 to Rs 10 per kilo increase

Mitigate negative impact of the price rise

Despite the Food Supply minister’s boasts of monitoring and controlling the market, the reality on the ground tells a different story. To mitigate the negative impact of the price hike, the state government could consider implementing measures such as: Price control mechanisms by establishing price ceilings or floors to regulate commodity prices and prevent excessive hikes. By providing subsidies and support to low-income households to help them cope with the increased cost of living. By enhancing market monitoring and surveillance to prevent unfair trade practices and ensure a stable market environment.

Tokenistic Implementation Undermines the Impact

By taking proactive steps to address the price hike, the state government can ensure that the benefits of the Subhadra scheme are equitably distributed and that consumers are protected from economic shocks. The scheme’s design also raises concerns. The financial assistance is provided in two annual installments of Rs 5,000, which is disbursed on Raksha Bandhan and International Women’s Day. While the intention may be to promote women’s empowerment, the tokenistic approach undermines the scheme’s potential impact. In addition, the eligibility criteria and application process have not been clearly outlined, leaving many women uncertain about their eligibility and how to access the benefits.

Subhadra Scheme Failed To Deliver Promises

In conclusion, the Subhadra scheme appears to have failed to deliver on its promises. The scanty financial assistance, inadequate timing, and poorly designed scheme have all contributed to its shortcomings. The Mohan government’s inability to stabilise prices and ensure the availability of essential goods has been criticised by the opposition. The government’s inaction has allowed unscrupulous traders to exploit poor consumers, further exacerbating the problem. The failure to curb price rise has left consumers reeling. It is high time for the government to take concrete steps to address the crisis and ensure that essential commodities are available to consumers at affordable prices. Mere boasts of monitoring and controlling the market will not suffice; the government needs to walk the talk and deliver tangible results. The BJP government must reassess the scheme and make necessary adjustments to ensure that it truly empowers women in Odisha. The government should focus on providing more substantial support and opportunities for women’s empowerment, rather than just offering a small financial handout.

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