Bhubaneswar: In a key development aimed at enhancing food security, the Odisha government announced it will begin distributing wheat in addition to rice to ration card holders under state food security schemes from January 2025. This initiative marks the first time wheat will be provided alongside rice to beneficiaries.
Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Krushna Chandra Patra shared that the state has already received wheat supplies for this purpose. “Distribution is set to start in the first week of January after certain formalities are completed,” Minister Patra confirmed on Thursday. The government has requested data from districts to assess the demand for wheat versus rice among beneficiaries to ensure resources are allocated efficiently.
Beneficiary feedback has indicated varied preferences: while some beneficiaries have requested wheat, others prefer rice alone through the Public Distribution System (PDS). Based on these preferences, the government will soon finalize procurement and distribution plans.
Minister Patra added that the remaining 15% of e-KYC work for ration card holders is ongoing, with approximately 85% completed thus far. Over 1.6 million ineligible beneficiaries have already been identified, and officials aim to complete the e-KYC process within the next 15 days, ensuring only eligible individuals receive food support.