Bhubaneswar: Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik and Berhampur MP Pradeep Kumar Panigrahy have urged the chief minister to intervene urgently to ensure the early release of pensions, which have been delayed due to software glitches, affecting lakhs of beneficiaries in Odisha.
Delayed Pensions Cause Hardship
In separate communications, both leaders highlighted that pensions under key social security schemes, including the Madhu Babu Pension Scheme and National Old Age Pension, have not been disbursed for nearly three months. This delay has severely impacted elderly citizens, widows, and persons with disabilities.
Government Response
Responding to the concerns, Nityanand Gond, Minister of Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, stated that the government is aware of the issue and is working to resolve the glitches at the earliest. “Necessary steps are being taken to restore seamless pension disbursal,” the minister said.
Patnaik's Concerns
In his letter, Patnaik expressed deep concern and anguish over the non-payment to nearly 18 lakh beneficiaries, warning that the disruption has pushed vulnerable sections into distress and deprivation. He pointed to reports of a woman in Ganjam district who allegedly lost her life after being deprived of her pension.
Panigrahy's Observations
Echoing similar concerns, Panigrahy said that during his visits to rural areas in the Berhampur constituency, thousands of beneficiaries complained of not receiving pensions. “Helpless people cannot be left hungry for months in the name of software issues,” he said, adding that local representatives have repeatedly urged immediate government action.
In a memorandum to the chief minister, the MP highlighted two serious incidents, including the death by suicide of a 66-year-old widow from Beguniapada block in Ganjam district after repeated failed attempts to access her pension. He also referred to the Supreme Court’s suo motu intervention in another case from Subarnapur district.
Criticism of Digital Reliance
Both Patnaik and Panigrahy criticized the over-reliance on technology for pension disbursal. Patnaik termed the delay reportedly caused by technical glitches a serious failure of governance, saying people’s rights cannot be left at the mercy of digital systems under any condition.
Demands for Action
Panigrahy placed a set of demands before the state government, including immediate manual disbursal of pensions until the digital platform becomes fully functional and direct monitoring by district collectors to prevent further lapses. He also sought a high-level inquiry into the Ganjam incident and compensation for the bereaved family.
