The Odisha government has announced a big relief for the elderly and the disabled. The social security pension of the elderly aged 80 years and above and those with more than 80 percent physical disability in the state has now been increased from Rs 1,200 to Rs 3,500 per month.
The government announced
This proposal was approved in the state cabinet meeting held on Friday under the chairmanship of Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Manjhi. This new pension rate will be applicable from January 2025. Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja told the media that this decision has been taken with the aim of bringing financial stability in the lives of the elderly and the disabled.
Free electricity will also be available
Apart from this, the cabinet has also announced the inclusion of 3 lakh houses under the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar i.e. free electricity scheme. Under this scheme, along with the central government’s subsidy of Rs 30,000 for installing solar panels on the roofs, the state government will give an additional subsidy of Rs 25,000. This project is targeted to be completed by March 2027.
Sabdhra Scheme for Women
The Odisha government has decided to include all eligible women under its Sabdhra scheme by March 2025. Women who apply by March 31, 2025 and are found eligible will be given assistance in two installments of Rs 10,000 in 2024.
This decision was also taken
Apart from this, Odisha State Civil Supply Corporation was given a guarantee support of Rs 17,500 crore for five years and a guarantee fee of Rs 437.5 crore was waived. At the same time, the responsibility of managing minor minerals was handed over from the Revenue Department to the Steel and Minerals Department.
