Odisha Achieves Pension Saturation as CM Majhi Adds Over 5 Lakh New Beneficiaries Under MBPY
Balasore: In a major boost to social security and welfare delivery, Mohan Charan Majhi, the Chief Minister of Odisha, officially launched the saturation phase of the Madhubabu Pension Yojana (MBPY), bringing more than 5 lakh new beneficiaries under the scheme.
With the addition of 5,05,817 beneficiaries, the total number of pension recipients under the scheme has increased to 41,80,825, marking a significant milestone in the state’s efforts to ensure social protection for vulnerable sections of society.
Addressing a public gathering in Balasore, the Chief Minister announced the end of the quota-based system that previously restricted the inclusion of eligible beneficiaries.
The saturation approach aims to ensure that every eligible elderly person, differently-abled individual, widow, and destitute citizen receives financial assistance without delay.
To streamline pension administration and improve accessibility, the government also launched the Unified Pension Management Portal (UPMP).
The digital platform will enable beneficiaries to apply online, through Common Service Centres (CSCs), or at Block Development Offices, reducing paperwork and improving service delivery.
The initiative is expected to incur an additional annual expenditure of approximately ₹625 crore, reflecting the government’s commitment to strengthening its social welfare framework.
In another beneficiary-friendly measure, pensioners who attain the age of 80 will automatically receive the enhanced monthly pension of ₹3,500 through the portal, eliminating the need for fresh applications.
The Chief Minister also announced special distribution camps for newly enrolled beneficiaries, who will receive two months’ pension benefits together.
Regular monthly pension payments will be disbursed on the 15th of every month beginning in December.
During the visit, Mohan Charan Majhi inaugurated and laid foundation stones for 70 development projects worth nearly ₹340 crore in Balasore district, further underscoring the government’s focus on inclusive growth and infrastructure development.
An awareness campaign featuring the Madhubabu Pension Yojana Awareness Chariot was also launched to spread information about the scheme across both rural and urban areas of Odisha.
The expansion of MBPY is expected to provide greater financial security and dignity to lakhs of beneficiaries while reinforcing Odisha’s commitment to inclusive welfare and social justice.
