Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi Directs Early Rice Distribution for PDS Beneficiaries

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has instructed the Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Department to distribute three months' worth of rice in advance to Public Distribution System (PDS) beneficiaries. This decision follows a review of the rice distribution process, as stated by the Chief Minister's Office (CMO). The directive aims to address delays in rice distribution reported in Mandipanka village, Daringbadi block, Kandhamal district.

Two women from Mandipanka village died, and six others became ill after consuming mango kernel gruel, allegedly due to a lack of food grains. In response, the Chief Minister has mandated that each beneficiary under the National Food Security Act and State Food Security Scheme receive 15 kg of rice monthly from October to December. Despite the distribution starting on October 1, around 40 lakh families have not yet received their rice allocation.

Immediate Distribution and Inclusion Efforts

The Chief Minister has urged officials to ensure these families receive their three-month rice supply without further delay. Additionally, steps are being taken to include all workers registered under the e-Shramik portal in the PDS. Of the 1.30 crore workers registered, approximately 1.31 lakh have been excluded so far.

Majhi has directed officials to incorporate these left-out workers into the State Food Security Scheme promptly. This initiative is part of a broader effort to ensure comprehensive coverage and support for all eligible individuals across the state.

One Nation One Ration Programme

The meeting also addressed the implementation of the One Nation One Ration programme. Majhi recommended that officials speed up the verification process for e-KYC for Odia people who have migrated to other states. This step is crucial for ensuring that migrants can access their entitled benefits seamlessly.

The state government is committed to improving food security measures and addressing any gaps in distribution. By advancing these initiatives, Odisha aims to provide timely assistance to its citizens and prevent future incidents related to food scarcity.