Leader of the Opposition and BJD president Naveen Patnaik expressed worry about the delay in social security pension payments to approximately 18 lakh beneficiaries in Odisha. The non-payment for three months, attributed to technical issues, is seen as a governance failure. Patnaik highlighted the impact on vulnerable groups like the elderly, widows, and persons with disabilities who rely on these pensions for their daily needs.
Patnaik criticized the state government for the distress caused by the prolonged delay in pension disbursement. He emphasized the seriousness of the situation, pointing out that many beneficiaries face deprivation and even the risk of starvation. The opposition leader mentioned a case where a beneficiary allegedly died due to being denied pension benefits, deeming such incidents unacceptable in a state that aims to protect its most vulnerable citizens.
Referring to reports of software-related delays, Patnaik condemned the negligence that led to the disruption of pension payments. He stressed the importance of upholding people’s rights and ensuring that technological failures do not compromise essential services. Patnaik also highlighted the citizen-centric approach adopted during the BJD-led government’s tenure, emphasizing the need for accountability and timely delivery of pensions to prevent future crises.
