Naveen Urges CM Majhi to Ensure Immediate Release of Pending Pensions to 18 Lakh Beneficiaries

Bhubaneswar: Biju Janata Dal (BJD) President and Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik has urged Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi to intervene and ensure the immediate release of social security pensions that have reportedly remained unpaid for the last three months, affecting nearly 18 lakh beneficiaries across the state.

In a letter to the Chief Minister, Naveen expressed “deep concern and anguish” over the delay, stating that the affected beneficiaries include elderly citizens, widows and persons with disabilities who rely heavily on the monthly assistance for their livelihood.

Naveen wrote, “I write with a sense of deep concern and anguish over the non-payment of pensions for the last three months to nearly 18 lakh beneficiaries across Odisha. These pensioners comprise the most vulnerable sections of our society—-elderly citizens, widows, and persons with disabilities—-most of whom depend entirely on this pension for their daily survival”.

The denial of this vital support for three consecutive months has exposed our most vulnerable citizens to severe distress, deprivation, and even the risk of starvation. There are reports that Smt. Sabitri Dora of Beguniapada, Ganjam lost her life after being deprived of her pension benefits. Such a situation is unacceptable in a state committed to protecting its weakest citizens, Naveen said.

What is even more shocking is that this prolonged delay has reportedly occurred due to a software-related issue. This reflects grave negligence and an abdication of the Government’s basic responsibility. Peoples’ rights cannot be left at the mercy of technological failures, he added.

It is important to recall that for the past 24 years, my government ensured that pensions were distributed regularly on the I5th of every month, observed as “Jan Seva Diwas.” Beneficiaries received their pensions at the Gram Panchayat level in a transparent and humane manner. In cases where pensioners were unable to attend, officials ensured that the pension amount was delivered directly to their homes. This citizen-centric model earned widespread appreciation and was even commended by the Supreme Court. We consistently resisted pressure to shift entirely to the bank-based pension disbursement system because our model ensured timely delivery, personal accountability, and dignity for beneficiaries,  he further stated.

The current crisis demonstrates the wisdom of that approach. The stoppage of pensions for three months is not merely a procedural lapse; it represents a serious failure of governance.

Naveen said, “I therefore urge you to immediately release all pending pension payments through manual disbursement and ensure that such a situation never recurs. The Government must also fix accountability for this lapse and reassure pensioners that their rights will not be compromised in the future”.