Odisha Chief Minister Orders Winter Aid To Beneficiaries By December 1

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Friday announced winter assistance of Rs 300 each for around 48 lakh beneficiaries under the Madhu Babu Pension Yojana and National Pension Yojana (NSAP).

The assistance will be transferred to the beneficiaries’ accounts before December 1 to purchase blankets.

The state government has granted Rs 146 crore for providing winter assistance to the needy, a release from the Chief Minister’s Office said.

Chairing a review meeting on cold situation in the state, the Chief Minister ordered provision of winter aid to the poor. Naveen stressed the importance of keeping the poor especially the senior citizens safe during this season.

The Chief Minister advised Panchayati Raj department, Urban Development department, District Collectors and municipal authorities to take immediate action to ensure that no soul remains unattended or in a helpless situation during cold winter nights.

So far, 855 traveler shelters have been opened in the state. It was decided to use panchayat offices and school houses as night shelters wherever necessary. Steps will be taken to ensure that all the beneficiaries get this help on November 30 and December 1.

In this meeting, Chief Secretary Suresh Chandra Mahapatra, Development Commissioner PK Jena, Secretary to CM (5T) VK Pandian and several other officials were present.