Odisha Government has doubled the rates of financial assistance payable as death benefits to advocates under the Odisha Advocates’ Welfare Fund Act, 1987.
The Law Department has notified the enhancement through an amendment to the existing Schedule of the Act, aimed at extending greater financial support to the bereaved families of advocates.
The revised rates were notified in exercise of the powers conferred under Sections 9 and 16 read with Section 16-B of the Act. The decision follows a recommendation of the Odisha Advocates’ Welfare Fund Trust Committee and takes into account the availability of funds. Under the amended schedule, the enhanced assistance will be admissible according to the completed years of professional practice. A separate provision has also been made for advocates with less than five years of practice.
The measure is intended to strengthen the welfare and social security of the legal fraternity in the State while offering greater financial security to the families of deceased advocates. Officials have described the step as reflecting the State Government’s commitment to supporting members of the bar and their dependents.
The notification was issued by the Law Department, Government of Odisha, by order of the Governor. With the amendment now in force, eligible claimants can access the doubled assistance in accordance with the revised rates linked to years of practice.
The enhancement is expected to provide meaningful relief to families at a time of bereavement and reinforces the existing welfare framework for advocates enrolled in the State.
