Naveen Patnaik Strengthens 'Pro-People, Poor' Image with Initiatives for Unorganized Workers and Kendu Leaf Pluckers

Date : 9 August, 2023
Categories : Politics

Naveen Patnaik's BJD Gears Up for Odisha Assembly Polls with a Flurry of Welfare Schemes

In anticipation of next year's Odisha Assembly elections, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) led by Naveen Patnaik is strategically unveiling a series of impactful schemes. The latest addition occurred on Monday when an additional 4.13 lakh individuals were incorporated into the state's Madhu Babu Pension Yojana (MBPY), aligning it with the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) initiated by the central government.

The MBPY, a monthly social security pension initiative, currently encompasses senior citizens, widows, persons with disabilities, the impoverished, and transpersons. This recent expansion brings the total beneficiaries to 32.75 lakh, while the NSAP covers 20 lakh individuals in Odisha. Instituted in 2008, the scheme provides Rs 500 per month to eligible individuals aged 60-79, while those aged 80 and above receive Rs 700 per month.

S K Lohani, the state's Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (SSEPD) Secretary, highlighted that this enhancement to the MBPY fortifies the state's social security framework.

The newly sanctioned beneficiaries are set to receive their first pension installment on August 15, distributed at panchayat headquarters or ward offices in the presence of elected representatives. This approach aligns with the recent decision by the Naveen Patnaik government to transition back to disbursing pensions in cash, reversing the direct benefit transfer (DBT) system.

This strategic move is a testament to Patnaik's commitment to cultivating an image as a "pro-people and pro-poor leader." It follows a series of welfare schemes introduced over the past few months.

On August 2, Patnaik broadened the reach of welfare schemes from the Odisha Unorganized Workers Social Security Board, extending assistance to 50 additional categories of workers from unorganized sectors. Furthermore, financial aid for families of deceased workers registered with the board was doubled to Rs 4 lakh in cases of accidental death and Rs 2 lakh in cases of natural death.

In July, the government also allocated Rs 250 crore in aid for kendu leaf pluckers and binders, a community comprising around eight lakh members in western Odisha. The scheme was implemented in phases throughout the month. Prior to this, on May 29, the BJD launched the Mo Ghara program, featuring a credit-linked housing scheme for rural poor and a scooter initiative for women self-help group (SHG) members.

Insiders revealed that the BJD government recently greenlit schemes aimed at raising the remuneration for traditional folk artists and increasing food grants for patients in state-run hospitals. Moreover, Patnaik unveiled the Ama Odisha, Navin Odisha ("Our Odisha, New Odisha") slogan, a creative spin on the 2019 poll slogan "Ama Gaon, Ama Bikash" ("Our Village, Our Development").

Last month, Patnaik inaugurated the Mukhya Mantri Sabha Gruha (Chief Minister's Meeting Hall) in western Odisha districts, providing a direct channel for voters to engage with the CM. This move is strategically seen as an effort to solidify the party's foothold in a region historically dominated by the BJP. In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the saffron party secured victory in all five constituencies here.

Insiders also revealed that several more schemes are in the pipeline, slated for announcement later this month. BJD Vice President Prasanna Acharya emphasized that "welfarism" is a cornerstone of Patnaik's core agenda, asserting that the government's commitment to the welfare of the underprivileged remains steadfast regardless of electoral considerations. "Our government is renowned for its comprehensive range of welfare initiatives," Acharya stated."

FAQs

What is the significance of Naveen Patnaik's BJD gearing up for welfare schemes ahead of the Odisha Assembly polls?

Naveen Patnaik's Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has strategically launched a series of welfare schemes as part of its preparation for the upcoming Odisha Assembly elections. These initiatives reflect the party's commitment to addressing the needs of various sections of society and strengthening its appeal among voters.

Which recent welfare scheme has been introduced by Naveen Patnaik's government and what is its scope?

The latest addition to the welfare initiatives is the expansion of the Madhu Babu Pension Yojana (MBPY), where an additional 4.13 lakh individuals have been included. This scheme, aligned with the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP), provides a monthly social security pension to categories such as senior citizens, widows, persons with disabilities, the poor, and transpersons.

How does the recent inclusion to the Madhu Babu Pension Yojana (MBPY) reflect Naveen Patnaik's leadership approach?

The expansion of the MBPY underscores Naveen Patnaik's commitment to being a "pro-people and pro-poor leader." This move is part of a series of welfare schemes aimed at improving the lives of marginalized sections of society and cultivating an image of leadership that prioritizes the welfare of the citizens.

What are some other notable welfare schemes introduced by Naveen Patnaik's government in recent times?

Apart from the MBPY expansion, Naveen Patnaik's government has unveiled several impactful welfare schemes. Noteworthy among these are the inclusion of additional categories of workers under the Odisha Unorganized Workers Social Security Board, financial assistance for kendu leaf pluckers and binders, the Mo Ghara housing scheme, and initiatives to support traditional folk artists and hospital patients.

How are these welfare schemes strategically positioned in the context of the upcoming Odisha Assembly polls?

The flurry of welfare schemes introduced by Naveen Patnaik's BJD is a strategic move ahead of the Odisha Assembly polls. These initiatives not only demonstrate the party's commitment to the welfare of various sections of society but also aim to bolster the party's image and appeal among voters, showcasing Naveen Patnaik's proactive governance and leadership style.