Odisha Govt Hikes Advocates' Welfare Fund Assistance By 40 pc

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has approved a 40 per cent increase in financial assistance provided under the State Advocates' Welfare Fund, benefiting thousands of lawyers across the state, an official statement said on Monday.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi approved the enhancement, which will provide increased financial support to advocates upon retirement and to their family members in the event of their death.

Under the revised structure, the next of kin of an advocate with up to five years of practice will receive financial assistance of Rs 1.05 lakh in case of the advocate's death. The amount will increase progressively with every additional year of practice.

Advocates with longer years of service will be entitled to higher benefits under the scheme, both on retirement and in the event of death.

According to the revised norms, advocates who have completed 30 years of practice will receive Rs 6.30 lakh upon retirement. In the event of their death, the same amount will be paid to their nearest family member. This will be the maximum assistance admissible under the welfare fund.

The State Advocates' Welfare Fund is aimed at providing social security and financial support to members of the legal profession and their dependants.

Officials said the financial assistance under the scheme was last revised in 2021. The latest enhancement is expected to strengthen the social security net available to advocates and their families.

Thousands of practicing lawyers associated with courts across Odisha are likely to benefit from the revised assistance structure, the statement added.