Nuapada Collector Reviews Social Security Schemes, Stresses Timely Benefits for Eligible Beneficiaries

Nuapada, August 7: A district-level review meeting on various social security schemes being implemented under the Department of Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities was held on Thursday at the Collector’s Conference Hall under the chairmanship of Nuapada Collector Madhusudan Dash. Reviewing the progress of different welfare schemes, the Collector directed all concerned officials to ensure that eligible beneficiaries receive government benefits within the stipulated time. He emphasized the need for prompt disposal of pending applications, intensified household visits, and effective implementation of all social security programmes so that no deserving beneficiary is left out. At the outset, District Social Security Officer Ananta Kumar Hembram welcomed the participants and briefed them about the objectives of the meeting and the department’s ongoing activities. During the review, it was informed that 832 migrant labourer families were visited across the district in July 2026, out of which 42 eligible families were provided benefits under various social security schemes. The meeting also reviewed the progress of the Bhima Bhoi Samarthya Abhiyan (BSSA) camps, where 1,367 persons with disabilities registered and applied for various government services. Progress regarding issuance of UDID cards, disability pensions, bus and train travel concessions, assistive devices, scholarships, self-employment support, and other welfare services was also assessed. The Collector instructed officials to expedite the disposal of pending cases, strengthen field-level verification, and ensure that all eligible beneficiaries are covered under the available welfare schemes. The review further revealed that 19,041 widows are receiving widow pensions in the district, 10,191 beneficiaries are covered under the Subhadra Scheme, 7,261 beneficiaries are linked with Self-Help Groups (SHGs), and 9,757 families have received assistance under the National Family Benefit Scheme (NFBS). The Collector directed officials to clear all pending cases at the earliest and ensure that every eligible widow receives the benefits she is entitled to. On the occasion, Sumanta Kumar Munda of Amguda village under Farsara Gram Panchayat in Boden Block was honoured with the “Divyang Mitra Award” for the month of July 2026 in recognition of his contribution towards the welfare of persons with disabilities. The meeting was attended by Sub-Collector Surmi Soren, Chief District Medical and Public Health Officer Dr. Dwarikanath Satpathy, District Child Protection Officer Suchismita Mahauti, Lead District Manager Harishankar Nial, Sub-Divisional Social Security Officer Smrutirekha Nanda, along with other district-level officers from various departments.