Odisha’s Social Pension Beneficiaries To Get Assistance In Cash From June

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has decided to provide social security pension to beneficiaries of Madhu Babu Pension Yojana (MBPY) in cash, some even at their doorsteps, instead of direct benefit transfer (DBT) from June.

They will now receive the assistance in cash at disbursement centres on 15th of every month.

According to sources, the decision was taken as many elderly and physically challenged persons struggled to withdraw money from their bank accounts. Some beneficiaries had not received pension due to technical glitch in the portal.

The government has also written to all Collectors and Commissioners of Municipal Corporations in this regard. “You are kindly aware that pension was disbursed to about half the beneficiaries under MBPY in DBT mode in the month of May-2023. However, many old and disabled beneficiaries are facing difficulties in withdrawing/ collecting cash from their bank accounts. Some beneficiaries have also not received pension in time due to technical glitch in the portal,” the letter read.

“Keeping in view the above, the State Government has decided that all MBPY beneficiaries will receive pension in cash from June-2023 onwards. Accordingly, all beneficiaries under Madhu Babu Pension Yojana will be receiving cash on 15th of every month (Jana Seva Diwas) at disbursement places as before,” it further said.

Elderly and disabled pensioners, who can’t move to disbursement centres, will receive pension at their doorsteps, it added.

Under the scheme, widows, transgenders, persons with disabilities and the destitute aged between 60-79 years, are provided Rs 500 per month, while those above 80 years get Rs 700 per month.