Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Tuesday directed officials to identify widows and children orphaned due to COVID-19 and sanction them pension under Madhu Babu Pension Scheme within 15 days.
On May 17, he had announced that the government will continue to cover widows and orphan children under the scheme. The children will also get free education facilities.
While reviewing the COVID-19 pandemic situation in the state, the CM also announced an advance three months pension for all social security beneficiaries.
He asked the officials concerned to prepare for black fungus infection being reported among COVID patients.
The mortality rate in black fungus infection is 54 per cent.
Naveen further said that the focus should be on child care in view of the possible third wave.
“There has been a decrease in pressure on ICU and HDU in the state. Oxygen consumption is also declining. We are hopeful of improvement in the overall COVID situation by next week,” he added.
