The pension amount has increased from ₹1,200 to ₹3,500 per month for beneficiaries who are 80 years of age or older and have 80% or more impairments. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi formally introduced the ₹2,300 hike in Keonjhar today, which will benefit 4,17,496 persons throughout the state.
The Chief Minister stressed the value of fostering an accepting and compassionate community while speaking at a state-level event held on the campus of Dharanidhar University. The temple of our faith and trust is our senior people. Our greatest assets are their joy and unshakable faith in the young,” he stated.
9,913 residents of the Keonjhar district are among the beneficiaries of the Madhu Babu Pension Yojana (MBPY) and the National Social Welfare Program who are covered by the new pension plan. The Chief Minister referred to the initiative as a major step in creating the perfect society and emphasized his government’s dedication to social welfare.
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.
The Chief Minister highlighted other government programs in his speech, such as the recent agreement to execute the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, which will improve healthcare for the underprivileged. As part of the Utkarsha Odisha program, he revealed intentions to build a massive steel plant in Keonjhar, with an agreement to be signed later this month.
During the occasion, beneficiaries such Satyabhama Sethi, Anirudh Das, and Jayakrishna Mahanta received disabled allowances, and Rakhyakar Jena, Jogendra Nayak, and Rajani Mohanty received higher pensions and allowances for old age.
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.