Bhubaneswar: Odisha Government will increase allowance under various social security welfare schemes to Rs 3,000 soon, informed Social Security & Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities Minister Nityananda Gond today.

In this regard, the talks are underway with various departments. The proposal will be approved after discussion with the Finance Department, the minister stated.

In 2024 poll manifesto, the BJP had promised to increase allowances upto Rs 3,000 if the party was voted to power in Odisha.

Earlier, the previous government led by Naveen Patnaik had announced a hike of Rs 500 allowance for beneficiaries covered under various social security schemes ahead of 2024 elections.

The then CM had announced the hike in the National Old Age Pension Scheme, Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme and Madhu Babu Pension Yojana.

As many as 5.7 million beneficiaries are covered under these above schemes in Odisha. While more than 2.3 million people are getting a pension under the old age pension scheme and widow pension scheme, more than 3.67 million people are getting pension under the Madhu Babu Pension Yojana, a state-sponsored pension scheme for elderly people.