The Odisha government has been actively working to enhance social security for senior citizens through its Old Age Pension (OAP) scheme. While the current pension amount is ₹500 per month for beneficiaries aged 60-79 and ₹700 for those above 80, there have been discussions and demands to increase the amount to ₹3,000 per month. Here’s the latest information on the scheme, eligibility, and potential updates.
Current Status of Odisha Old Age Pension
As of April 2025, the Odisha government provides financial assistance under the Madhu Babu Pension Yojana (MBPY), which includes:
- ₹500/month for beneficiaries aged 60-79.
- ₹700/month for those aged 80 and above.
- Additional assistance for widows, disabled persons, and other vulnerable groups.
However, there have been growing demands from pensioners and social activists to raise the amount to ₹3,000 per month, considering inflation and rising living costs.
Will Odisha Increase the Pension to ₹3,000?
While there is no official confirmation yet, recent trends in other states and central pension schemes suggest a push for higher payouts:
- EPFO Pension Hike (2025): The central government increased the minimum pension under EPS-95 to ₹7,000/month for private-sector employees .
- Other States: Some states like Delhi and Tamil Nadu have already enhanced their old-age pensions to ₹2,000–₹3,000/month.
Given these developments, Odisha may consider revising its pension amounts in the near future, especially with elections and welfare schemes gaining political attention.
Eligibility for Odisha Old Age Pension
To qualify for the existing scheme, applicants must:
- Be a permanent resident of Odisha.
- Belong to a Below Poverty Line (BPL) family.
- Be 60+ years old (with higher amounts for 80+).
- Not be receiving any other government pension.
How to Apply?
- Online: Via the Odisha Social Security Portal (https://sspd.odisha.gov.in).
- Offline: Through Gram Panchayats or Municipal Offices.
- Required Documents: Aadhaar card, age proof, BPL ration card, and bank details.
Latest News & Expected Changes
- Demands for Increase: Senior citizen groups and opposition parties have been urging the state government to raise the pension to ₹3,000/month, citing rising inflation.
- Budget Allocations: The 2025-26 state budget may include provisions for pension hikes, but no official announcement has been made yet.
- Digital Reforms: Odisha is streamlining pension disbursements via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to reduce delays and corruption.
Comparison with Other Pension Schemes
| Scheme | State/Central | Amount (Monthly) |
|---|---|---|
| Madhu Babu Pension Yojana | Odisha | ₹500–₹700 |
| EPFO Pension (EPS-95) | Central | ₹7,000 (minimum) |
| Delhi Old Age Pension | Delhi | ₹2,000–₹3,000 |
| Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension (IGNOAPS) | Central | ₹200–₹500 (plus state top-ups) |
Conclusion: Will ₹3,000 Pension Happen?
While Odisha has not yet announced a hike to ₹3,000, the growing demand and examples from other states suggest that an increase is possible in the near future. Pensioners should stay updated via the Odisha Social Security Portal or local government announcements.
For now, eligible beneficiaries should ensure they are registered and receiving their current pension amounts without delays. If any official update on the ₹3,000 pension is released, it will likely be widely publicized.
Stay tuned for further updates!
