Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik Enhances Pension under MBPY

In a move aimed at providing relief to beneficiaries of social security schemes in Odisha, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has announced a significant increase in monthly pension amounts under the Madhu Babu Pension Yojana (MBPY).

Beneficiaries and Revised Amounts

• 36.75 Lakh Beneficiaries: Elderly, widows, persons with disabilities, unmarried women, AIDS patients, transgenders, orphan children, and widows of COVID victims.
• New Monthly Amounts:
• Age up to 79: Rs 1,000
• Age 80 and above: Rs 1,200
• 60% or more disability and above 80 years: Rs 1,400

Previous Scheme and Enhancements

• Origin: MBPY was introduced in 2008, merging two schemes from the 1980s.
• Previous Rates: Rs 500 for ages up to 79, Rs 700 for ages 80 and above, Rs 900 for 60% or more disability and above 80 years.
• Enhancements: Rs 500 increase for each category, effective from February.

Financial Implications

• Increased Expenditure: State expenditure rises to Rs 3,683 crore from Rs 2,685 crore previously.
• Previous Enhancement: Before the 2019 general elections, the state government had raised pension amounts by Rs 200 across various social security schemes.