Congress Vows Rs 26K Monthly Aid to Odisha's Poor if Voted to Power

In a significant announcement that could reshape the socio-economic landscape of Odisha, a Congress leader outlined a comprehensive financial assistance plan for the state's poor families. During a press conference held on Tuesday, Ajoy Kumar, the All India Congress Committee (AICC) in-charge of Odisha, detailed the party's ambitious proposals aimed at uplifting the economically disadvantaged sections of society.

At the heart of these proposals is the promise of a financial package that could see each poor family in Odisha receiving at least Rs 26,000 per month if the Congress is elected both in the state and at the national level. Kumar highlighted several key initiatives, including the Gruh Laxmi Yojana, which pledges Rs 2,000 monthly assistance to poor women. Additionally, farmers, widows, persons with disabilities, and the elderly could benefit from a Rs 2,000 pension.

The Congress's commitment to social welfare extends to utilities and essential commodities. Kumar announced plans to provide up to 200-unit free electricity monthly, approximately amounting to Rs 2,000. Furthermore, the party aims to increase the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for paddy to Rs 3,000 per quintal and reduce the cost of LPG cylinders to Rs 500.

Should the Congress secure victory in Odisha, each impoverished family stands to receive around Rs 10,000 monthly from state initiatives alone. This figure could surpass Rs 26,000 with additional support from the central government if the INDIA bloc triumphs in national elections. Kumar also promised free medical treatment up to Rs 25 lakh annually for the poor under a Congress-led government.

The Congress leader did not shy away from criticizing current administrations. He accused both the Naveen Patnaik-led government in Odisha and the BJP-dominated NDA government at the Centre of imitating previous Congress initiatives and misleading the public. Citing past achievements like employment generation under MGNREGA and the introduction of the National Food Security Act (NFSA), Kumar urged voters to reject both BJD and BJP in favor of Congress.

This bold financial blueprint by the Congress aims not only to provide immediate relief to Odisha's poor but also to lay down a sustainable path towards their empowerment and inclusion in mainstream economic activities. As election fervor intensifies, these promises are set to become focal points of political discourse in Odisha.