Bhubaneswar, Jan 15 (Reporter) Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Wednesday launched an enhanced pension scheme for the elderly and disabled residents of the state. Elderly individuals aged 80 years and above, as well as beneficiaries with 80% or more disability, will now receive a monthly pension of Rs.3,500, starting today, according to a release from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO). Previously, they were receiving Rs.1,200 per month, but the amount has been increased by Rs.2,300 to Rs.3,500. The enhanced pension will benefit 4,17,496 people across the state. While inaugurating the enhanced pension distribution program in Keonjhar, the Chief Minister emphasized the importance of respecting senior citizens, differently-abled individuals, and the helpless. "A society that respects and admires its senior citizens and vulnerable members is an ideal society," he said, describing senior citizens as "the temples of our faith and trust." Majhi assured that all beneficiaries, including those under the National Social Assistance Program and the Madhubabu Pension Scheme, will receive the enhanced pension. He further highlighted the achievements of his government, stating, "Our government has been in power for only seven months, and during this time, we have taken several significant steps for the welfare of the people." In the past two days, an agreement was signed to implement the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana in the state, which will provide better medical facilities to the poor and needy. The Chief Minister also announced plans to establish a mega steel plant in Keonjhar, with the agreement expected to be signed during the Utkarsh Odisha program in Bhubaneswar at the end of this month. He added that the state government is committed to setting up industries not only in Keonjhar but across all districts of Odisha...////...