Kendujhar (Odisha) [India], January 16 (HBTV): Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi launched a social security allowance, now increased to INR 3,500 for eligible beneficiaries.

The Chief Minister attended a program in Keonjhar, Odisha, where the enhanced allowance was distributed to beneficiaries. The INR 3,500 allowance will be provided under the Madhubabu Bhatta Yojana and the National Security Program.

This follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Monday between the National Health Authority and the Department of Health & Family Welfare, Government of Odisha, for the implementation of Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) in the state.

The MoU was signed at Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi by the Chief Executive Officer of the National Health Authority and the Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Odisha Department of Health & Family Welfare. Union Health Minister JP Nadda, along with other senior ministers from the Central and state governments, attended the event.

At the event, BJP National President and Union Minister JP Nadda noted that 61 crore people, or 45 percent of India’s population, are covered under Ayushman Bharat.

On Tuesday, CM Majhi criticized the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) for keeping Odisha out of the Ayushman Bharat scheme, alleging the party’s 'personal interests' were at play. Speaking to reporters at Bhubaneswar airport, he said, "Yesterday, we announced two big schemes in Delhi. Ayushman Bharat Yojana was launched by PM Modi in 2018 but was not implemented in Odisha under BJD rule due to personal interests... After we came to power, we announced its implementation. An MoU was signed between the State and Central Government yesterday."

He added, "This will benefit 1.3 crore people in the state and will be implemented across 30,000 hospitals nationwide, where Odisha residents can avail of benefits by showing a single card."

Earlier, Majhi reflected on the success of the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, held from January 8 to 10, noting that for the first time, Odisha had the opportunity to host the event. "The program was successful, with the PM and President attending. It also brought in discussions on investment and tourism development. We are organizing a 'Make in Odisha' conclave and have sanctioned investments of INR 2.5 lakh crores, with more expected," he added.

(ANI)