By Bizodisha Bureau, Bhubaneswar, July 30, 2016 : Three lakh more beneficiaries will be added from August 15 next to avail the benefits of Madhubabu Pension Scheme across Odisha taking the total number of beneficiaries to 50 lakh.

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Saturday directed the district collectors to extend Madhubabu Pension Scheme to three lakh more beneficiaries from August 15.

Panaik was reviewing the progress of various rural housing schemes, mini stadia and Madhubabu Pension Scheme projects at state secretariat here through video conferencing.

The Pension scheme was introduced in the state from 1st January 2008 by merging two pension schemes– Old Age Pension and Odisha Disability Pension schemes. The beneficiaries up to 79 years get pension at Rs.300 per month and Rs.500 for 80 years and above.

Around 84,000 houses under rural housing scheme have been constructed this year. As many as 701 houses are constructed daily. The Chief Minister directed the District Collectors to expedite the process and complete 1500 houses every day.

Besides, the Chief Minister directed the Collectors to complete the houses built under Biju Pucca Ghar Yojana and Nirman Shramik Pucca Ghar Yojna in mining areas by October 2 observed as Gandhi Jayanti.

So far, 55 mini stadia have been constructed in various blocks in the state.