Bhubaneswar: Pandemonium returned to Odisha Assembly on Monday as opposition BJD and Congress members created ruckus over ‘Subhadra Yojana’, alleging non-fulfilment of promises made by the BJP government pertaining to the scheme.
Unable to conduct the proceedings, Speaker Susama Padhy adjourned the House till 11.30 am and again till 12.05 pm and then again till 1.05 pm.
As soon as the House assembled for the day, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi moved the condolence motion and expressed grief over his death of former Sambalpur MLA and senior Congress leader Ashwini Guru. The Opposition members, however, trooped into the well of House as soon as the question hour began and raised slogans, demanding that all women be included in Subhadra Yojana.
Though Speaker requested the members to maintain decorum, stating that an adjournment motion moved by them has been accepted and discussion will be held on it, they continued with the sloganeering, forcing her to adjourn the House.
BJD whip Pramila Mallick accused the BJP government of going back on its words to give every women a cash voucher of Rs 50,000. “The party lied and cheated women of the state to come to power. How will a women benefit with two instalments of Rs 5,000 every year for over five years?” she asked.
She also questioned the SOP prepared to exclude women from the scheme. “The government should accept that it was only an election promise to gain votes. The BJD government had given interest free loans to women and other financial assistance. But those have been withdrawn. It was a false promise to deceive the women of the state and they will give a befitting reply,” she added.
“The BJD government had given interest free loans to women and other financial assistance. The current BJP government has changed them. We demand that the BJP should give Rs 50000 vouchers to each woman,” the Opposition Chief Whip added.
Speaking to media, Barabati-Cuttack MLA Sofia Firdous said that the government should do away the age limit fixed for scheme. “Women in 60-80 years age group are the most hassled since they are often abandoned by their family members. Some women also take a plunge into business in later half of their life. We have also demanded inclusion of women who are getting Rs 1,500 per month from any other government scheme. By this, several categories of women like Pachikas and others, who are getting less pension, would be deprived of the benefit. All women should be treated equally,” she said, adding that the BJP government should address these loopholes in the SOP.
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“We have urged the Odisha government to keep its promise made in manifesto and provide Rs 25,000,” she added.
On the other hand, BJP leader Ashok Mohanty hailed the scheme as historical and said that it would benefit the needy women.
BJP MLA Babu Singh added, “The Opposition members are stalling the proceedings of the House. People of Odisha are watching those who are obstructing the path of development of the state.”
All eligible women of 21-60 age group in a family will get the benefit. Those getting widow pension and scholarship from the government will also get the assistance. However, women, who receive Rs 1,500 or more per month or Rs 18,000 or more per year from any other government scheme, will not be eligible for Subhadra Yojana. In the event of the beneficiary’s death, aid will be withdrawn, and family members will be unable to request it. Each beneficiary will receive Rs 10,000 per year in two instalments of Rs 5,000 each: on Rakhi Purnima and on International Women’s Day (March 8). Over five years, each qualifying women will earn Rs 50,000, according to the SOP.