Pension Delays Push Thousands of PwD Beneficiaries into Crisis Across Odisha; Government Assures Swift Resolution
​Bhubaneswar, Odisha – Thousands of persons with disabilities (PwDs) and senior citizens across Odisha are facing acute financial hardship as disbursements under the Madhu Babu Pension Yojana (MBPY) remain stalled for nearly two months.
​Field reports from districts including Ganjam highlight a distressing pattern: beneficiaries are making repeated visits to panchayat and block offices seeking clarity, only to return without their dues. For a significant number of recipients, the monthly pension is not supplementary income. It is the only means to purchase life-saving medicines, food, and meet basic daily needs.
​System Migration Triggers Disbursement Halt
​Responding to growing public concern, Nityananda Gond, Minister for Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (SSEPD), attributed the delay to a backend technical glitch. The ongoing migration and realignment of beneficiary databases with payment gateways have disrupted direct bank transfers, temporarily halting the automated credit system.
​State Commits to Resolution Within 15 Days
​The Odisha government has confirmed that technical teams are working on priority to resolve the issue. An official directive has been issued stating that all system errors will be rectified and pending pension amounts will be credited directly to beneficiary bank accounts within the next 7 to 15 days.
​The delay underscores the critical link between timely social security and the dignity of vulnerable communities. Interruptions in this lifeline directly affect health, nutrition, and independence for persons with disabilities who depend on consistent support.
​Inclusive Odisha Foundation calls upon district and block-level authorities to ensure transparent communication with beneficiaries during this period and to expedite all verification processes once the system is restored. Protecting the rights and welfare of the differently-abled community requires urgency, accountability, and a human-centric approach to governance.
​Written by Goutam Behera