Odisha CM Announce Rs 146 Cr Winter Aid For Needy

Naveen Patnaik reviewed the cold conditions in the state during a meeting with top officials and directed the officials to make sure that the safety of the poor, especially the elderly, during the winter session is taken care of, on 25 November. A benefit of Rs 300 each to buy blankets will be given. Also, the amount will be credited by 1 December, it added

The chief minister (CM) of Odisha Naveen Patnaik announced a winter assistance of Rs 146 crore for the needy, as the Metrological department has forecasted a dip in mercury in Odisha in coming few days.

A release issued by CM’s office said that around 48 lakh beneficiaries of the Madhu Babu Pension Yojana and National Pension System will receive a benefit of Rs 300 each to buy blankets. Also, the amount will be credited by 1 December, it added.

Patnaik reviewed the cold conditions in the state during a meeting with top officials and directed the officials to make sure that the safety of the poor, especially the elderly, during the winter session is taken care of, on 25 November.

According to him, the conditions in the tribal-dominated Kandhamal and Koraput districts were severe, as per the data available.

While advising the Panchayati Raj and Urban Development departments and district collectors and civic authorities, he nudged them to take quick action to make sure that no one remained unattended or in a helpless condition during the chilly nights.

As of now, 855 traveller shelters have been started in the state.

Also, it was resolved at the meeting that officials can turn panchayat offices and school buildings into night shelters wherever it required.

Certain steps will be taken to make sure that all beneficiaries receive the winter aid in their accounts on 30 November and 1 December.

As per the India Meteorological Department (IMD) the minimum temperatures may fall by 2 to 3-degree Celsius in a few places in Odisha in coming 24 hours and no large change thereafter.

At least 19 places have shown temperatures below 15 degrees Celsius, along with Kirei in Sundergarh district recording the lowest of 9.5 degrees Celsius followed by G Udaygiri (10), Daringbadi and Phulbani (10.5), Sambalpur’s Chipilima (10.8) and Koraput’s Similiguda (10.9).

The minimum temperatures in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack were 14.5 degrees Celsius and 15 degrees Celsius, respectively.