Odisha Increases Pensions for Seniors

The Odisha government has announced an increase in monthly pensions to Rs 3,500 for beneficiaries aged 80 and above, as well as those with over 80 percent disability, effective from June this year, according to an official notification from the state. This enhancement comes as part of the state's social welfare initiatives administered by the Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (SSEPD) Department. Under this new directive, all recipients of the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) and the Madhu Babu Pension Scheme (MBPS) will see their monthly pension increased from the previous amount of Rs 1,500 to Rs 3,500. The order instructs all District Social Security Officers (DSSOs) to implement the revised pension rates starting June, based on the eligibility lists compiled by sub-collectors. In alignment with this directive, DSSOs have been tasked with approving the updated pension figures and issuing the necessary documentation to facilitate further action by the department. The increase will be applied retrospectively from January 2025, according to the notification. The decision fulfills a key promise made in the BJP's electoral manifesto and was highlighted by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi during the presentation of his inaugural budget in the assembly in July 2024. A budget allocation of Rs 7,600 crore has been earmarked to support these pension schemes. Earlier this year, in January, Chief Minister Majhi rolled out the enhanced pension benefits to a select group of beneficiaries during a state-level event in Keonjhar district.