Odisha cabinet approves hike in monthly pension 

The Odisha govt on Friday hiked the pension allowance under the social security scheme. The decision was taken at the cabinet meeting held earlier in the day. 

As per the new decision, the pension allowance has been hiked for persons who are 80 years and above and also persons with 80 per cent disability. As per the guidelines the pension for the above-mentioned categories has been hiked to Rs 3,500 per month. The earlier pension amount under the scheme was Rs 1,200 monthly.

"State Cabinet has approved the proposal to enhance the pension amount of the eligible pensioners aged 80 years and above or PwDs having disability percentage of 80% and above under both Madhu Babu Pension Yojana and National Social Assistance Programme to Rs. 3500/- per month with effect from January 2025," a press brief from the government stated.

Earlier on Thursday, The Odisha government announced a substantial increase in pension for freedom fighters, marking an acknowledgement of their pivotal role in India’s struggle for independence. The state government has effectively doubled the support for those who faced imprisonment during India's struggle for independence.

Freedom fighters who were imprisoned during the independence movement will now receive Rs 20,000 monthly, double the previous amount of Rs 10,000. Those who actively participated but were not imprisoned will have their pensions increased from Rs 9,000 to Rs 15,000.