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Orissa on Wednesday observed Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik's birthday as Social Security Day and added 70,000 people on its pension rolls.
The beneficiaries are physically challenged persons, artists and the aged.
Information, Public Relations and Culture Minister Damodar Rout told rediff.com that the number of beneficiaries has now reached 100,000.
Cabinet and party colleagues called on Patnaik at Naveen Nivas, his residence in state capital Bhubaneshwar, and greeted him with flowers and garlands.
Patnaik, who was born on October 16, 1946, celebrated his birthday in a simple fashion.
"I don't believe in making a hue-and-cry about birthdays," Patnaik told reporters. "My government is serving the poor and the downtrodden, and will continue to do so."
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