The Odisha government launched the Madhu Babu Pension scheme for the state’s economically marginalised people in 2008 by combining its previous Revised Old Aged Pension and Disability Pension schemes to reach out to more beneficiaries. The Department of Social Security and Disability Department of the state monitors this welfare and development scheme to provide a dignified life to senior citizens and other needy people by ensuring financial security.

Here’s how the Madhu Babu Scheme functions and serves Odisha’s marginalised people.

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Eligibility

The beneficiary must be a resident of Odisha with annual income of Rs 24,000. Widows of all ages and people with HIV/AIDS, cerebrally palsy, leprosy, blindness, visual deformity, mobility issues, disability, clinically unsound minds, and transgenders are eligible, provided they do not receive pension and financial aid from any other central or state government welfare schemes. They must submit an income proof during the application process.

Pension

The senior beneficiaries must be between 60 and 79 years of age and receive Rs 500 monthly, and super-seniors aged 80 and older get Rs 700 under the scheme. The pension is distributed on the 15^th of every month on the Jan Sewa Diwas by the block development officer (BDO) or a subordinate officer under the BDO. In rural and urban areas, it is distributed by the gram panchayat and the District Social Security Officer (DSSO),respectively.

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Documents Required

For senior citizens, three passport-size photographs, a Tahsildar-approved income certificate, and a copy of the Aadhar card is required; for disabled people, a disability certificate from a competent authority; for AIDS patients, a recommendation from the state AIDS Control Society; and for leprosy patients, a medical certificate is required.

The Odisha government also runs other welfare schemes like the National Social Assistance Scheme, the State Old Pension Scheme, and schemes for sports persons, among others, for various income groups and ages. The state old pension scheme provides pensions to people with little or no regular income source. It also offers pensions for retiring or retired sportspersons and martial artists up to Rs 1,000 monthly.