Odisha to Allocate Rs 7,830 Crore Annually for Social Security Pensions

The Odisha government has announced a significant increase in its budget for social security pensions, with an annual expenditure of Rs 7,830.08 crore dedicated to supporting widows, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities. The announcement was made by Minister of Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Nityananda Gond, during a session of the Assembly on Friday.
Minister Gond detailed that the financial allocation will be distributed through two key schemes: the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) and the Madhu Babu Pension Yojna (MBPY). Under these schemes, the government aims to provide vital financial support to those in need.
According to Gond, the Madhu Babu Pension Yojna currently supports 36.75 lakh beneficiaries, while the National Social Assistance Programme covers 20.33 lakh individuals. This substantial investment underscores the state’s commitment to enhancing social security and improving the quality of life for its most vulnerable populations.
The increased funding is expected to strengthen the reach and effectiveness of these pension schemes, ensuring that a larger number of eligible individuals receive the support they require. The announcement comes as part of the state’s broader efforts to bolster social welfare programs and address the needs of its diverse population.