Bhubaneswar: Senior citizens aged 80 years and above, along with beneficiaries with 80% or more disabilities, will now receive a monthly pension of ₹3,500, up from the previous ₹1,200. The increase of ₹2,300, benefiting 4,17,496 people across the state, was officially launched by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi in Keonjhar today.
Speaking at a state-level event at Dharanidhar University ground, the Chief Minister emphasized the importance of creating an inclusive and empathetic society. “Senior citizens are the temple of our faith and trust. Their happiness and unwavering faith in the youth are our treasured assets,” he said.
The new pension scheme applies to beneficiaries of the National Social Welfare Program and the Madhu Babu Pension Yojana (MBPY), including 9,913 people from Keonjhar district. Highlighting his government’s commitment to social welfare, the Chief Minister called the program a significant step towards building an ideal society.
He further encouraged citizens to assist the elderly and differently-abled, adding that his government prioritizes addressing their grievances. “The satisfaction I gain from helping the poor and helpless is the greatest capital of my life,” he remarked.
In his address, the Chief Minister outlined other government initiatives, including the recent agreement to implement Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, ensuring better healthcare for the poor. He announced plans to establish a mega steel plant in Keonjhar, with an agreement to be signed later this month as part of the Utkarsha Odisha program.
The event witnessed the distribution of enhanced pensions and allowances to beneficiaries such as Rakhyakar Jena, Jogendra Nayak, and Rajani Mohanty for old-age pensions, and Satyabhama Sethi, Anirudh Das, and Jayakrishna Mahanta for disabled allowances.
Cabinet members, MPs, MLAs, and district officials, including Ghasipura MLA Badri Narayan Patra and Keonjhar District Magistrate Vishal Singh, were present. Speakers emphasized the financial and social impact of the scheme, urging collective efforts for the development of Keonjhar and the state.
Keonjhar District Magistrate Vishal Singh delivered the welcome address, while Additional District Magistrate Alok Kumar Pradhan proposed the vote of thanks.
