Bhubaneswar, 22nd Sept 2025: In a significant move, Chief Minister Mohan Majhi has introduced a major plan for the welfare of the differently-abled population in the state. A letter from the Department of Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities outlines that 41 departments will collaborate to reserve 5% of the benefits under the Garib Kalyan Yojana for persons with disabilities.
The letter emphasizes focus on 7 key points, including:
- Appointment of nodal officers in every department who will review and monitor implementation.
- Self Help Groups (SHGs) will provide ₹50,000 assistance at the cluster level.
- Guidance has been given to take a compassionate approach toward livelihood support for the differently-abled.
- District Collectors have been directed to identify more persons with disabilities in their respective districts.
- According to the available data, Odisha currently has 12,44,902 persons with disabilities.