Odisha Reviews Social Security Schemes, Pushes for Faster Benefit Delivery

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government on Monday reviewed the implementation of various social security and welfare schemes across the state, with a focus on improving beneficiary coverage, timely disbursement of assistance, and strengthening grievance redressal mechanisms.

A district-level review meeting of District Social Security Officers (DSSOs) was chaired at Lok Seva Bhawan by Principal Secretary of the Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (SS&EPD) Department, Suresh Kumar Vashishth.

During the meeting, the Principal Secretary stressed the importance of accurate beneficiary identification, transparency in service delivery, and prompt resolution of grievances to ensure effective implementation of welfare programmes.

District officers were directed to intensify field-level monitoring, organise regular awareness and outreach camps, strengthen coordination with other departments, and ensure quality and time-bound execution of departmental schemes.

The review covered multiple agenda points, including Action Taken Reports on previous decisions, vacancy positions under the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) and Madhu Babu Pension Yojana (MBPY), pendency of National Family Benefit Scheme (NFBS) applications, and implementation of the Marriage Incentive Scheme.

Officials also reviewed district-wise pendency of applications related to Banishree assistance, scholarships, and Unique Disability ID (UDID) cards, along with the status of camps and pending cases under the Bhima Bhoi Samarthya Abhiyan (BBSA).

Discussions further focused on stock and distribution status of welfare materials, Children with Disability survey progress, registration under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, and operational issues related to Infrastructure Integrated Complexes (IICs), Old Age Homes, Halfway Homes, RTCs, SAHAYA Gruha, Beggar Rehabilitation Centres, and implementation of the State Action Plan under the AVAY Scheme and ELDERLINE services.

Matters related to audit, budget management, pension claims, MACP and RACP cases, pending DDRC and ARC issues, compliance by Special Schools, and new proposals under skill development programmes were also discussed during the review.

The department’s IT Cell gave a presentation on several digital initiatives, including inventory management systems, CCTV cloud computing, attendance management, and district-wise performance tracking through the ZOHO App.

A training session on social media usage and public awareness strategies was also conducted for district officers to improve communication and outreach efforts.