With activation of 71 per cent of RuPay cards so far, Odisha has played a lead role in implementation of the Central scheme while the all-India activation average stands at 43.5 per cent only.
The Union Government is currently reviewing the financial inclusion initiatives regarding RuPay cards and Aadhaar seeding into the bank accounts of the beneficiaries under the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) and pension payments under the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP).
As per latest data 1.22 lakh RuPay card activation camps were organised across the country. While about 17.68 crore RuPay cards have been issued so far, only 9.44 crore, which is 43.51 per cent of the total, activated. However, in Odisha while 69.74 lakh issued, 58.65 lakh have been activated.
ACS Finance R Balakrishnan told the All Finance Secretaries’ Meet held on 11 April that the Odisha Government is coordinating with banks in this regard. A high-level committed headed by Chief Secretary will meet soon to discuss the issues, he said.
Regarding pension payments under the NSAP, the ACS stated that Social Security Pension is being paid in cash at public meetings at panchayat level and the exercise is going smoothly.
Although initiatives have been taken for Direct Transfer of Pension to the Bank Account of the beneficiaries, difficulties were faced as many beneficiaries did not have banks in their locality.
As the pension amount is low, it is not wise to ask people to commute 20-30 kms in interior pockets to go to banks to get monthly pensions, he pointed out.
He said that as only 33 per cent of the bank accounts have been Aadhar seeded, complete migration of MGNREGS payment through DBT has not taken place.
As the Union Government is stressing upon States’ participation in implementation of Atal Pension Yojana (APY) , the Odisha Government has designated the labour and ESI Principal Secretary as the Nodal Officer for the purpose.
Till date 95,000 people in Odisha have joined APY, and a majority of them are in the 35-40 years’ age group.
He urged the Centre to increase the age limit for APY to 45-year age in view of people’s demand.