3 lakh more to be covered under social security by Aug 15

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has decided to include three lakh more beneficiaries in the ongoing social security pension schemes in the state.

Announcing the decision of the government today, chief minister Naveen Patnaik said his government has always given top priority to the social security of the poor people to ensure a smile on their faces.

Stating that old men and women, widows and physically challenged persons have the right to live with dignity in the society, he said at present about 40 lakh beneficiaries are availing the benefits of various social security pension schemes.

“My aim is to include all eligible beneficiaries in the social security network. I am keen to announce that the state government has decided to include three lakh more beneficiaries in the social security pension schemes for which I have asked the concerned department to complete the process of selection of beneficiaries by August 15. The state government will spend an additional Rs 115 crore from its exchequer,” the chief minister said.