Bhubaneswar, 19 June (H.S.): Leader of Opposition in the Odisha Assembly and BJD president Naveen Patnaik has strongly criticized the state government over the delay in the disbursement of social security pensions, describing the situation as deeply distressing and unfortunate.

In a social media post, Patnaik stated that despite the BJP government completing two years in office, lakhs of beneficiaries across the state have not received their social security pensions for more than three months. He said the prolonged delay has created significant hardships for vulnerable sections of society who depend on the pension assistance for their daily needs.

The former Chief Minister expressed concern over media reports highlighting instances where people have allegedly suffered extreme distress, and even lost their lives, due to the non-receipt of pension benefits. He termed such developments highly unfortunate and called for urgent government intervention.

Patnaik further alleged that the BJP had promised to increase pension amounts during the election campaign, but after assuming power, it has failed not only to fulfil that promise but also to ensure the timely disbursement of existing pension benefits. According to him, the situation has pushed many elderly persons, women, and economically weaker beneficiaries into uncertainty and hardship.

He said numerous pension-dependent individuals are struggling to purchase life-saving medicines, while others are facing hunger and severe financial difficulties. Questioning the government's silence on the issue, Patnaik said the growing suffering of beneficiaries has become a matter of public concern.

Urging immediate action, he called upon Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi to personally intervene and ensure the prompt release of pending pension payments. He also stressed the need to safeguard the social security of the state's most vulnerable and needy citizens.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda