Bhubaneswar: In a significant welfare move, the Odisha Government, led by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, has sanctioned the distribution of two jute carry bags and Rs. 1,000 as livelihood assistance to each family benefiting from the Public Distribution System (PDS). The proposal received unanimous approval during the State Cabinet meeting.
The decision to provide support beyond ensuring the food and nutritional security of 95,90,526 PDS families stems from the government’s commitment to improving their quality of life. Recognizing the challenges faced by these families in acquiring appropriately sized carry bags for collecting their PDS foodgrain entitlements and daily use, the State Government has decided to provide two jute carry bags (20 kilograms and 10 kilograms capacity each) free of cost to every PDS family.
Additionally, acknowledging the financial strain caused by the increasing market prices of essential commodities, the government has resolved to extend support to these families. A one-time livelihood assistance of Rs. 1,000 in cash will be provided to each of the 95,90,526 PDS families, as outlined in an official press release.
The estimated fund requirement for procuring and distributing 1,91,81,052 jute carry bags is Rs. 278.69 crore. Simultaneously, the one-time livelihood assistance of Rs. 1,000 per family will amount to Rs. 959.05 crore. The combined expenditure of Rs. 1,237.74 crore will be met from the State budget, demonstrating the government’s commitment to the well-being of its citizens.