Transgenders now to get Madhu Babu pension in Odisha

Sambad English Bureau Published On : Jul 3, 2020 at 1:45 PM Updated On : Jul 3, 2020 at 7:14 PM

Bhubaneswar: In a significant decision that would benefit transgenders in the state, Odisha Government today announced that Kinnars will now be covered under the Madhu Babu Pension Yojana (MBPY).

Informing this, Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (SSEPD) Minister Ashok Chandra Panda said around 5,000 transgenders will be benefited under the scheme. They have to apply for the scheme by submitting the form.

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“In the 2019 election manifesto, the Biju Janada Dal (BJD) had promised to include Kinnars in MBPY. Keeping the promise, Party Supremo and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has approved the proposal to cover TGs in the pension scheme,” said the Minister.

Regarding income criteria for the transgenders being eligible for the scheme, the Minister said the CM will take a decision in this regard.

The Minister further said there are around 48 lakh beneficiaries of the scheme in the state. Keeping the COVID-19 crisis in view, the Government has already given the financial assistance to all the beneficiaries for four months (April, May, June and July) in advance.

“Another installment of Rs 1000 as financial assistance will soon be provided to all of them. The funds have already been sanctioned and will be released soon,” informed the Minister.