Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Monday sanctioned Madhu Babu Pension benefits for additional 4.13 lakh applicants at one go.
The newly sanctioned beneficiaries will get their first pension amount on August 15, the Janaseva Diwas at the Gram Panchayat headquarters or Ward Offices in presence of elected representatives. The districts collectors have been advised to ensure smooth disbursement of pension to the beneficiaries in camp mode.
According to official sources, the decision to include more people under the scheme was taken on the basis of grievances received during the visit of CMO to districts across the state, and the feedback from Mo Sarkar.
With this, the target of the social security pension has been enhanced to 32.75 lakh. Beneficiaries such as older persons, widows, persons with disabilities, unmarried women, cured leprosy patients, AIDS patients identified by OSACS, divorcee/destitute, transgender persons, widows, orphan children of COVID affected families and other vulnerable people are covered under this scheme. Earlier, 28.61 lakh beneficiaries were getting benefits under the scheme at Rs 500, Rs 700 and Rs 900 per month.
Between the age group 0-79 years, beneficiaries of different categories get pension of Rs 500 per month whereas beneficiaries of the age 80 years and above receive Rs 700 per month. Likewise, beneficiaries with 40-59% disability receive Rs 500 per month and beneficiaries with 60% and above disability receive Rs 700 per month; whereas beneficiaries with 60% and above disability and aged 80 years and above receive Rs 900 per month.
