Odisha CM Reviews Public Distribution System, Directs Advance Rice Quota for Beneficiaries

Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi convened a meeting at Lok Seva Bhavan today to review the state’s public distribution system (PDS) and to ensure timely support for beneficiaries. During the meeting, he instructed the Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Department to provide a three-month advance quota of rice to beneficiaries, emphasizing the need for immediate action.

In an official press release, it was announced that each beneficiary will receive 15 kg of rice for the months of October, November, and December. Although the distribution process commenced on October 1, around 40 lakh families have yet to receive their allotted rice. The Chief Minister directed officials to prioritize the immediate distribution of rice to these families.

The meeting also addressed the inclusion of all registered e-Shramik workers in the public distribution system. Out of the 1.3 crore registered e-Shramik workers, nearly all have been integrated into the system, with only 1.31 lakh workers pending inclusion. The Chief Minister urged officials to expedite the integration of these remaining workers under the State Food Security Scheme.

Additionally, discussions included the One Nation One Ration system, with the Chief Minister highlighting the importance of speeding up the e-KYC process for Odia migrants living in other states to ensure they receive their entitlements.

The meeting was attended by Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Krushna Chandra Patra, Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Nikunj Bihari Dhal, and Principal Secretary of the Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Department Vir Vikram Yadav, all of whom contributed to the discussions on improving the efficiency of the PDS in Odisha.