Odisha to Raise Monthly Honorarium for Living Padma Awardees to ₹30,000

Bhubaneswar: In a move to support the eminent personalities honored with the Padma awards, the Odisha government has announced a hike in the monthly honorarium for the state’s surviving awardees. From now on, each of the 55 living Padma awardees will receive ₹30,000 monthly, an increase from the previously sanctioned ₹25,000. 
The government has allocated an annual budget of ₹2 crore for this initiative, marking a significant commitment towards recognizing the contribution of these awardees, some of whom are reportedly struggling financially. This decision follows the announcement made by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik earlier this year, aiming to ensure that Odisha’s revered Padma recipients lead a dignified life. 

 

Odisha’s Journey in Honoring Padma Awardees 

The Odisha government began disbursing monthly honorariums to Padma awardees in 2019. The initiative was inspired by a public appeal from Padma Shri awardee Daitari Naik, a 75-year-old farmer from Keonjhar district. Despite being honored with one of the nation’s most prestigious civilian awards, Naik revealed he was facing economic hardship, as potential employers hesitated to hire a national awardee for daily labor. His heartfelt plea struck a chord across the nation, spotlighting the financial struggles of Padma awardees and prompting the Odisha government to take decisive action. 

Acknowledging Their Legacy and Contribution 

Odisha has produced over 150 Padma awardees across various fields, with contributions ranging from arts and literature to science, engineering, and public service. However, only 55 of them are still alive. These esteemed individuals have brought pride to the state, yet many face challenges in sustaining themselves due to limited financial means. The honorarium increase is a significant acknowledgment of their lifelong dedication and contribution to the state and country. 
Highlighting the importance of this decision, the Chief Minister's office issued a statement underscoring the government's commitment to preserving the dignity and wellbeing of these honorees. The statement also emphasized Odisha’s rich heritage of excellence, with numerous individuals whose achievements have contributed to the social and economic fabric of the state. 

Pioneers in Odisha’s Padma Award Legacy 

Odisha’s first Padma awardee, Mahadeva Iyer Ganapati, was a civil engineer who played a key role in building the Rourkela Steel Plant and other landmark infrastructure projects, such as Mumbai’s Churchgate railway station and the Chittaranjan Locomotive Works. Ganapati was conferred the Padma Bhushan in 1954, setting a precedent for generations of Odisha-based achievers. His contributions, along with those of many others, have elevated Odisha’s reputation on the national stage. 

The Need for Sustained Support 

This recent increase aims to ensure that current awardees can lead lives that reflect the honor bestowed upon them. According to sources, some Padma awardees have faced financial difficulties despite their significant accomplishments, making this initiative a crucial step towards upholding their dignity. By enhancing the honorarium, the government hopes to ease the financial burden on the awardees and provide them with the resources needed for their wellbeing. 
This new honorarium will begin to reach recipients in the upcoming months, reinforcing the Odisha government’s support for its living legends who have brought the state and country immense pride.