Odisha expands Madhu Babu Pension Yojana to 41.8 lakh beneficiaries
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi scrapped the previous quota system to include over 5 lakh new recipients in the social security scheme.
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) in Odisha. According to The New Indian Express, this expansion brings the total number of beneficiaries under the scheme to 41,80,825, a level the Chief Minister described as complete saturation.
The state government has abolished the previous quota-based system, which Majhi criticised as inhumane. He stated that under the old rules, applicants often had to wait for a vacancy to be created by the death of an existing recipient. The new policy ensures that senior citizens, widows, destitute individuals, and persons with disabilities are no longer deprived of benefits due to such restrictions.
The inclusion of these additional beneficiaries will require an annual expenditure of approximately Rs 625 crore. Majhi noted that the government should view this cost as an investment in the dignity and welfare of citizens rather than a financial burden.
To improve the process, the Chief Minister launched the Unified Pension Management Portal (UPMP). Applicants can use the portal or visit a Block Development Officer’s office or common services centre to apply. Once submitted, regular payments will start the following month.
Beneficiaries reaching 80 years of age will automatically receive an increased monthly pension of Rs 3,500 without needing a new application. Newly enrolled members will receive combined payments for October and November.
District-level distribution is scheduled for November 11 and 12, with block-level programmes on November 13 and 14. From December, pensions will be disbursed on the 15th of every month.