India News | Governor Concerned over Low Enrollment in Social Welfare Schemes in Odisha

Bhubaneswar, Jun 23 (PTI) Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati on Monday expressed concern over low enrollment of citizens in government-backed social welfare schemes.

He launched a special drive to enrol Raj Bhavan officials and staff in such schemes.

Also Read | Mumbai Shocker: Elderly Woman Suffering From Skin Cancer Dumped by Grandson in Pile of Garbage in Aarey Colony, Admitted to Cooper Hospital After 8 Hours of Struggle; Probe Launched.

Addressing an awareness programme on Social Security schemes on the Raj Bhavan premises here, the governor said the Centre has launched several people-centric welfare schemes since Prime Minister Narendra Modi assumed office.

Many of these schemes are aimed at extending financial protection and welfare benefits to the poor, vulnerable, and marginalised, while some are designed for the general population, he said.

Also Read | Did Iran Shoot Down US B-2 Stealth Bomber? AI-Generated Video Circulated To Spread Fake News, Here's a Fact Check of Viral Claim.

"Unfortunately, in Odisha, a large number of eligible people are not availing the benefits due to lack of awareness. Even among the educated and elite sections, many remain unenrolled despite having knowledge of the schemes," Kambhampati said.

To set an example and encourage public participation, the governor announced that all officials and staff members of the Raj Bhavan would be enrolled in the eligible social welfare schemes. "This initiative is a step towards motivating people across the state to avail the benefits they are entitled to," he said.

The governor highlighted several flagship schemes, including the Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY), Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY), Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana, and Atal Pension Yojana, urging people to make use of these programmes for their financial security and well-being.

He suggested awareness campaigns in colleges and universities to educate students about the benefits of these schemes. The governor also suggested that public institutions should play a key role in spreading awareness.

Sunita Behera, Branch Manager of the State Bank of India, Raj Bhavan Branch, elaborated on the details of various schemes during the session. As part of the symbolic launch of the drive, the governor handed over application forms of 101 Raj Bhavan staff members to the SBI Branch Manager for their enrollment in the respective schemes.

(The above story is verified and authored by Press Trust of India (PTI) staff. PTI, India’s premier news agency, employs more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and small town in India.. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)