Odisha Ends Waiting Period for Social Security Pension, Announces Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi

Bhubaneswar, November 10 (Daily Kiran) : Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi of Odisha announced on Tuesday the elimination of the waiting period for social security pensions. This decision ensures that no elderly, disabled, or helpless individual in the state will be deprived of government assistance.

Majhi stated, “Eligible beneficiaries will no longer have to wait to receive the ‘Madhu Babu Pension.’ The era of waiting is over, and now begins the era of respecting your rights.” He made this announcement during an event in Balasore, where he launched the ‘Saturation Initiative’ under the ‘Madhu Babu Pension Scheme’ to guarantee coverage for all eligible individuals. He also inaugurated the Unified Pension Management Portal (UPMP).

The Chief Minister criticized the previous government for implementing a quota system at the state and district levels, which allowed pensions to be distributed only when existing beneficiaries passed away. He described this approach as insensitive and inhumane, emphasizing that his administration has abolished this system to ensure that no eligible person is left without social security benefits.

As part of the Saturation Drive, an additional 505,817 individuals have been added to the scheme, bringing the total number of beneficiaries to 4,180,825. To accommodate these new beneficiaries, the government has allocated an extra ₹625 crore in the annual budget.

Majhi remarked that the cost of ₹500-600 crore should not hinder the welfare of senior citizens. He referred to this expenditure as a meaningful investment in their dignity and well-being. The newly launched UPMP portal will streamline the application and payment processes, making them faster and more transparent. Eligible applicants can apply online or visit their nearest Jan Seva Kendra or Block Development Officer’s office.

Pensions will start being disbursed the month following the application. Beneficiaries who reach the age of 80 will automatically receive an increased monthly pension of ₹3,500 without needing to reapply. New beneficiaries will receive their pensions for October and November together. Distribution events are scheduled at the district level on November 11 and 12, followed by block-level events on November 13 and 14.

Individuals unable to collect their pensions during these events can pick up their cash from their respective panchayat or municipal offices on November 25. Starting in December, regular monthly pensions will be paid on the 15th of each month.

During the program, the Chief Minister also inaugurated 28 development projects worth ₹78 crore in Balasore and laid the foundation for 42 projects costing ₹262 crore.