Social Security & Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities Department, Government of Odisha

The Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities Department, Government of Odisha, is a state government body responsible for inclusive governance and welfare of persons with disabilities, senior citizens, and other vulnerable groups in Odisha. The department designs and delivers schemes that provide financial assistance, social security, and rehabilitation across the state. The department administers a wide portfolio of programmes including the Banishree Scholarship for students with disabilities, Madhu Babu Pension Yojana, the National Social Assistance Programme, the Marriage Incentive Scheme, the Free Laptop scheme for visually impaired students, and the Bhima Bhoi Bhinnakshyama Samarthya Abhiyan. Schemes are delivered through district offices and digital portals. Led politically by a Cabinet Minister and administratively by a Principal Secretary, the department coordinates with central ministries and state line departments to extend social security coverage. It serves both rural and urban beneficiaries through Aadhaar-linked Direct Benefit Transfer. The department's mandate is to enable equal participation of persons with disabilities and other beneficiaries in education, livelihood, and civic life across Odisha.