Bhubaneswar: In a major initiative aimed at strengthening food security and providing substantial relief to low-income families, the Government of Odisha has unveiled a proposal to double the monthly rice quota for ration card holders across the state. This decisive move seeks to increase the allocation from the current 5 kilograms to 10 kilograms of rice per person. 
"The government is planning for the poor, for whom 5 kg of rice is not sufficient," Minister Patra said on Wednesday. "If required, we will provide them with more rice. This initiative will benefit approximately 3.25 crore people across Odisha."
A key aspect of this plan is that the entire financial burden for the additional rice distribution will be borne by the Odisha state government. This underscores the administration's commitment to using its own resources to fund critical welfare programs. Minister Patra confirmed this, noting, "The expense will be borne by the Odisha government. The final decision lies with the Chief Minister."
While the proposal has been announced and is under active review, the government has clarified that a final decision is pending. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi is expected to review the detailed proposal shortly and give his official consent. The administration is moving deliberately to ensure the plan is fiscally sound and logistically feasible before its rollout.
The state government's proactive approach in reviewing and advancing this plan signals a strong focus on welfare economics and social support, setting a notable precedent for food security programs in the region. The people of Odisha now await the Chief Minister's final approval, which will set the process in motion for this substantial increase in food support.
The state's Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Department is actively preparing the formal proposal for final approval by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi. Once implemented, this policy is poised to become one of the most significant expansions of the state's public food distribution system in recent years, directly impacting the lives of millions.
Addressing the Needs of Families
Food Supplies Minister, Krushna Chandra Patra, explained the rationale behind the planned increase. He stated that the government recognizes the struggles many poor families face with the existing quota. For numerous households, the current 5 kg of rice per person is simply not enough to meet their monthly nutritional needs. The enhanced allocation is designed to bridge this gap and ensure no family goes hungry."The government is planning for the poor, for whom 5 kg of rice is not sufficient," Minister Patra said on Wednesday. "If required, we will provide them with more rice. This initiative will benefit approximately 3.25 crore people across Odisha."
Widespread Impact and State-Funded Initiative
The scale of this proposal is monumental. Official sources indicate that nearly 3.25 crore (32.5 million) beneficiaries registered under the state's ration card system are expected to benefit from the enhanced quota. This represents a vast portion of Odisha's population, ensuring that food security support reaches a wide demographic.A key aspect of this plan is that the entire financial burden for the additional rice distribution will be borne by the Odisha state government. This underscores the administration's commitment to using its own resources to fund critical welfare programs. Minister Patra confirmed this, noting, "The expense will be borne by the Odisha government. The final decision lies with the Chief Minister."
While the proposal has been announced and is under active review, the government has clarified that a final decision is pending. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi is expected to review the detailed proposal shortly and give his official consent. The administration is moving deliberately to ensure the plan is fiscally sound and logistically feasible before its rollout.
A Step Towards Enhanced Food Security
If approved, the doubling of the rice quota is anticipated to bring significant relief to economically weaker sections of society. It will directly increase the monthly food grain supply to millions of households, reducing their financial burden and contributing to better health and well-being. This policy is widely seen as a robust step towards fulfilling the government's objective of poverty alleviation and ensuring that every citizen has reliable access to a staple food item.The state government's proactive approach in reviewing and advancing this plan signals a strong focus on welfare economics and social support, setting a notable precedent for food security programs in the region. The people of Odisha now await the Chief Minister's final approval, which will set the process in motion for this substantial increase in food support.
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