A Review Meeting on Winter Assistance
The winter season has begun in various parts of Odisha. The India Meteorological Department has forecasted a further drop in temperature in interior regions like Koraput and Kandhamal, predicting a rise in cold wave conditions in the coming days.
In view of this, a review meeting on winter preparedness and providing assistance to the poor was held today under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Shri Naveen Patnaik. The Chief Minister emphasized the need to ensure the safety of vulnerable sections, especially senior citizens, during the severe cold.
He directed that by December 1st, all eligible beneficiaries should receive ₹300 each for purchasing blankets as winter assistance. Through this initiative, over 48 lakh beneficiaries under the Madhu Babu Pension Scheme and the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) will be benefited, for which the state government has approved ₹146 crore.
The Chief Minister also instructed officials to ensure that no one is left helpless in open spaces during the cold wave. Accordingly, the Panchayati Raj Department, Urban Development Department, District Collectors, and Municipal Authorities were advised to take immediate action.
It is noteworthy that every two years, the state government provides both summer and winter assistance to pension beneficiaries. Currently, 855 traveler shelters have been opened across the state. Additionally, it was decided in the meeting that panchayat offices and school buildings may also be used as temporary night shelters where needed.
Following the Chief Minister’s directive, steps will be taken to ensure that all beneficiaries receive this assistance between November 30 and December 1.
Present at the meeting were Chief Secretary Shri Suresh Chandra Mohapatra, Development Commissioner Shri P.K. Jena, 5T Secretary to the Chief Minister Shri V.K. Pandian, and secretaries and senior officials of various departments.
