Bhubaneswar: Naveen Patnaik, Leader of Opposition in the Odisha Legislative Assembly, has written a strongly worded letter to Chief Minister Mohan Majhi, expressing deep concern over the non-payment of pensions to nearly 18 lakh beneficiaries across the state for the past three months.
The affected individuals include elderly citizens, widows, and persons with disabilities—many of whom rely entirely on these pensions for their daily survival.
Patnaik highlighted the severe distress and deprivation faced by these vulnerable groups, citing reports such as the tragic death of Smt. Sabitri Dora from Beguniapada, Ganjam, allegedly due to being deprived of her pension benefits. He described the situation as unacceptable in a state committed to protecting its weakest citizens.
“The denial of this vital support for three consecutive months has exposed our most vulnerable citizens to severe distress, deprivation and even the risk of starvation. There are reports that Smt. Sabitri Dora of Beguniapada, Ganjam lost her life after being deprived of her pension benefits. Such a situation is unacceptable in a state committed to protecting its weakest citizens”, read Patnaik’s letter addressed to CM Majhi.
The letter points to a software-related issue as the cause of the delay, calling it a ‘grave negligence’ and a failure of the government’s basic responsibility.
Patnaik contrasted the current crisis with his administration’s 24-year record of regular pension distribution on the 15th of every month, known as ‘Jan Seva Diwas’. He emphasized that under his government, pensions were distributed transparently at the Gram Panchayat level, and officials ensured home delivery for those unable to attend in person—a model that received praise from the Supreme Court.
Patnaik criticized the shift towards a bank-based pension disbursement system, arguing that the current crisis demonstrates the wisdom of the previous citizen-centric approach.
Patnaik urged the Chief Minister to immediately release all pending pension payments through manual disbursement and to ensure such a situation does not recur. He also called for accountability and reassurances to pensioners that their rights will be protected in the future.