Salepur, Nov 14: The wait is finally over for thousands of pension applicants in Salepur. In a major relief, 4,057 new beneficiaries of the Madhubabu Pension Scheme in Salepur block of Cuttack district have started receiving pension benefits after a wait of nearly two-and-a-half years. The launch of the pension disbursement programme was accompanied by the inauguration of an Integrated Pension Management Portal. Salepur MLA Prasanta Behera formally launched the initiative, bringing cheer and relief to hundreds of beneficiaries.

The launch programme for the distribution of pensions to new beneficiaries under the Madhubabu Pension Scheme and the inauguration of the Integrated Pension Management Portal were held at the Salepur Block office in Cuttack district on Friday.

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The initiative marks a significant development for thousands of people who had been waiting for their pension benefits for nearly two-and-a-half years. A total of around 4,057 new beneficiaries from all 33 gram panchayats of Salepur block and the Salepur Notified Area Council (NAC) have been covered under the programme.

Salepur MLA Prasanta Behera formally inaugurated the pension disbursement initiative and the Integrated Pension Management Portal. The new portal is expected to facilitate streamlined pension management and improve the delivery of pension-related services.

Block Chairman Ramachandra Bhoi, Kendrapara MP's representative Sanatan Das, Block Development Officer Lopamudra Nayak, along with several government officials and elected representatives, attended the programme.

The announcement and commencement of pension payments brought considerable relief and happiness to the beneficiaries. Expressing their satisfaction after receiving the long-awaited benefits, several beneficiaries welcomed the initiative and appreciated the efforts taken by the MLA.

The programme is being seen as an important step towards ensuring social security and financial support for eligible elderly persons and other vulnerable sections of society.