Odisha expands Madhu Babu Pension Yojana with 5 lakh new beneficiaries
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi scrapped the previous quota system to ensure all eligible citizens receive social security benefits.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced on Tuesday that 5,05,817 new eligible individuals have been added to the Madhu Babu Pension Yojana (MBPY). According to The New Indian Express, this expansion brings the total number of beneficiaries in Odisha to 41,80,825, achieving what Majhi called complete saturation of the scheme.
Speaking at a function in Balasore, Majhi stated that the state government has removed the former quota-based system. He criticised the previous BJD government for a system where applicants had to wait for a vacancy created by a beneficiary's death. Majhi described the old method as inhumane and said the new approach ensures no senior citizen, widow, destitute person, or person with disabilities is denied benefits.
The inclusion of these additional beneficiaries will cost the state approximately Rs 625 crore annually. To streamline the process, Majhi launched the Unified Pension Management Portal (UPMP). Applicants can use the online portal or visit a Block Development Officer’s office or a common services centre to apply.
Majhi also noted that individuals reaching 80 years of age will automatically receive a monthly pension of Rs 3,500 without needing to reapply. New members will receive their payments for both October and November at once.
District-level distribution is scheduled for November 11 and 12, with block-level events on November 13 and 14. Those who miss these dates can collect cash from municipal or gram panchayat offices on November 25. Regular monthly disbursements will occur on the 15th of every month starting in December.