TV
The Odisha government has clarified that former beneficiaries of the Subhadra Yojana will become eligible for social security pensions only after attaining the age of 60 years, under the Madhu Babu Pension Yojana (MBPY) and the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP).
Officials said that ex-beneficiaries of the Subhadra Yojana will not be automatically included under MBPY or NSAP. They will have to apply afresh after turning 60, and their eligibility will be determined as per the respective scheme guidelines. Priority will be given to older, more vulnerable individuals and those already on the waiting list.
“…applicants of old age pension are free to apply for social security pension under any of MBPY/ NSAP upon attaining the age of 60 years, however the sanction of pension is subject to meeting all eligibility criteria as per corresponding scheme guidelines and subject to availability of vacancies,” the letter issued by the Department of Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities read.
“State Government, within the limits of its economic capacity and development, ensures social security pension to vulnerable populations who lack adequate resources due to their old age, disability, death of a breadwinner, widowhood and so on. While ex. beneficiaries of Subhadra Scheme have already availed the benefits from Government, there might be instances wherein waitlisted applicants under both VIBPY & NSAP either have not yet availed any such benefits or turn out to be more aged/ needier than the ex. beneficiaries of Subhadra Scheme,” the letter read further.
Sources revealed that nearly 93,000 Subhadra Yojana beneficiaries are currently after attaining 60 years and hence excluded from immediate coverage. District Social Security Officers have been asked to extend all support in facilitating applications once eligible.
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The government emphasized that social security pensions are provided within the state’s economic capacity to support the elderly, widows, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups.
