Bhubaneswar: Odisha Governor Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati on Monday expressed concern over the low enrollment of citizens in government-backed social welfare schemes.
He launched a special drive to enroll Raj Bhavan officials and staff in these schemes.
Addressing an awareness programme on social security schemes held on the Raj Bhavan premises, the Governor said that the Centre has introduced several people-centric welfare schemes since Prime Minister Narendra Modi assumed office.
Many of these initiatives aim to provide financial protection and welfare benefits to the poor, vulnerable, and marginalised, while some are designed for the general population, he noted.
“Unfortunately, in Odisha, a large number of eligible persons are not availing themselves of the benefits due to a lack of awareness. Even among the educated and elite sections, many remain unenrolled despite being aware of these schemes,” Kambhampati said.
To set an example and encourage public participation, the Governor announced that all officials and staff members of the Raj Bhavan would be enrolled in the eligible social welfare schemes.
“This initiative is a step towards motivating people across the state to avail themselves of the benefits to which they are entitled,” he said.
The Governor highlighted several flagship schemes, including the Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY), Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY), Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana, and Atal Pension Yojana, urging people to take advantage of these programmes for their financial security and well-being.
He recommended conducting awareness campaigns in colleges and universities to educate students about the benefits of these schemes. The Governor also emphasized that public institutions should play a key role in spreading awareness.
Sunita Behera, Branch Manager of the State Bank of India, Raj Bhavan Branch, elaborated on the details of the various schemes during the session. As part of the symbolic launch of the drive, the Governor handed over the application forms of 101 Raj Bhavan staff members to the SBI Branch Manager for their enrollment in the respective schemes.
