In a decisive move towards inclusive development, the Odisha Cabinet, under the leadership of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, approved nine significant proposals aimed at enhancing social welfare, promoting renewable energy, and streamlining governance. The BJP-led administration reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable growth and citizen-centric policies during the meeting.
Enhanced Pension Scheme for Senior Citizens and PwDs
One of the most notable decisions was the enhancement of the monthly pension under the Madhu Babu Pension Yojana and the National Social Assistance Programme. Eligible pensioners aged 80 and above, and persons with disabilities (PwDs) with 80% or higher disability, will now receive ₹3,500 per month starting January 2025. This progressive move is expected to provide significant relief to senior citizens and the differently-abled, showcasing the government’s dedication to improving the quality of life for vulnerable populations.
Renewable Energy Revolution: Rooftop Solar Initiative
The Cabinet also approved the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar: Muft Bijili Yojana (PMSG:MBY), under which rooftop solar installations will be provided to three lakh residential households. With a target completion date of March 2027, this initiative underscores the government’s focus on renewable energy, aiming to make Odisha a leader in sustainable power generation and reduce dependence on non-renewable energy sources.
Empowering Agriculture and Infrastructure
Further supporting Odisha’s agricultural sector, funds were allocated for the Mukhyamantri Krushi Udyog Yojana (MKUY), ensuring financial assistance for farmers to modernize their practices and enhance productivity. Additionally, a government guarantee was provided for bank loans taken by the Odisha State Civil Supplies Corporation Ltd, ensuring the smooth functioning of essential supply chains.
Administrative Restructuring and Social Justice
The Cabinet approved the restructuring of the Odisha Statistics & Economics Service (OS&ES) and the Odisha Subordinate Statistics & Economics Service (OSS&ES) cadres, ensuring better governance and efficiency in policy implementation. It also repealed the outdated Empowerment of Manual Scavengers & Construction of Dry Latrines (Prohibition) Act, 1993, signaling a commitment to modernization and dignity for all workers.
Milestones in Governance
Highlighting its focus on transparent governance, the Cabinet approved the closure of registration for the financial year 2024–25 under the Subhadra Scheme, which has already disbursed the first installment to 20.17 lakh beneficiaries as of November 24, 2024.
A Vision for Development
These decisions reflect the BJP government’s unwavering focus on welfare, sustainability, and efficient governance. By balancing immediate relief measures with long-term growth initiatives, the administration under Chief Minister Majhi continues to fulfill its promise of building a prosperous and inclusive Odisha.
As Odisha marches forward under BJP leadership, these progressive policies signal a brighter future, reinforcing the state’s trajectory towards becoming a model of good governance and development in India.
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