In a significant decision that would benefit transgenders, the State Government on Friday announced that Kinnars would now be covered under the Madhu Babu Pension Yojana (MBPY).
Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (SSEPD) Ashok Chandra Panda informed that around 5,000 transgenders would be benefited under the scheme. They have to apply for the scheme by submitting the requisite forms. Their pension amounts would be decided according to their age.
“In the 2019 election manifesto, the Biju Janada Dal (BJD) had promised to include Kinnars in the MBPY. Keeping the promise, party supremo and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has approved the proposal to cover transgenders in the pension scheme,” said the Minister. Regarding income criteria for the Kinnars being eligible for the scheme, Panda said the Chief Minister would take a decision in this regard.
He further said that there are around 48 lakh beneficiaries of the scheme in the State. Keeping the Covid-19 crisis in view, the Government has already given the financial assistance to all the beneficiaries for four months (April, May, June and July) in advance.
“Another instalment of Rs 1,000 as financial assistance will soon be provided to all of them. The funds have already been sanctioned and will be released soon,” informed the Minister.