Odisha Expands Social Security Net, Includes 4.13 Lakh More People Under Madhu Babu Pension Scheme
Naveen Patnaik, the Chief Minister of Odisha, has approved the inclusion of an additional 4.13 lakh beneficiaries under the Madhu Babu Pension Yojana. This decision was made in response to the grievances received during the CMO officials’ visit to districts across the state and the feedback received from Mo Sarkar. The total number of beneficiaries under the scheme has now increased to 32.75 lakh.
The Madhu Babu Pension Yojana is a social security scheme in Odisha that provides financial assistance to vulnerable individuals. This includes older persons, widows, persons with disabilities, unmarried women, cured leprosy patients, AIDS patients, divorcees/destitute, transgender persons, widows, and orphan children of Covid affected families. Those between the ages of 0-79 receive a monthly pension of Rs 500, while those aged 80 and above receive Rs 700 per month. The pension is directly deposited into the beneficiary’s bank account on the 15th of every month.
The scheme also provides financial assistance to people with disabilities. Beneficiaries with 40-59% disability receive Rs 500 per month, while those with 60% and above disability receive Rs 700 per month. Beneficiaries with 60% and above disability and aged 80 years and above receive Rs 900 per month. The inclusion of these 4.13 lakh new beneficiaries will strengthen the state’s social security system and improve the quality of life for vulnerable individuals with disabilities.
To be eligible for the Madhu Babu Pension Yojana, individuals must meet certain criteria. They must be 60 years of age or above, a widow (regardless of age), a leprosy patient with visible signs of deformity (regardless of age), a person of 0 years of age or above unable to work due to disability, the widow of an AIDS patient (regardless of age and income criteria), an AIDS patient identified by the State/District AIDS Control Society (regardless of income), have a family income from all sources not exceeding Rs.24,000 per annum, be a permanent resident/domicile of Odisha, and not be receiving any other pension from the union government, the state government, or any organization aided by either government.