Odisha Minister Reviews Paddy Procurement, e-KYC Progress, and Jan-Poshan Kendra Initiative

Bhubaneswar: Minister for Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Krushna Chandra Patra conducted a high-level review meeting at Lok Seva Bhawan, assessing the progress of paddy procurement, e-KYC implementation, and the introduction of Jan-Poshan Kendras in the state. The meeting was attended by Principal Secretary Sanjay Kumar Singh, Managing Director of Odisha State Civil Supplies Corporation Shri Shubham Saxena, and other senior officials.

During the review, Principal Secretary Sanjay Kumar Singh provided updates on the ongoing kharif season procurement, revealing that 70 lakh metric tonnes of paddy had been procured from around 15.65 lakh farmers. As part of the Minimum Support Price (MSP) payments, the government has disbursed ₹15,613 crore to farmers, with an additional ₹5,430 crore provided as Input Assistance.

Discussions focused on streamlining the paddy procurement process for the upcoming rabi season, scheduled to begin from May 1 to June 30, 2025. Singh informed that the registration process for farmers would commence this month to ensure a smooth procurement cycle. Additionally, officials explored measures to facilitate the transfer of surplus rice from the procured paddy to the Food Corporation of India (FCI).

The Minister emphasized the expedited completion of e-KYC for beneficiaries under the Public Distribution System (PDS). 92% of beneficiaries have already completed the process, while efforts are underway to reach the remaining 30.84 lakh beneficiaries who have yet to be included.

To overcome internet connectivity challenges, arrangements are being made to enable e-KYC at Fair Price Shops (FPSs), particularly in areas with weak network coverage. The Minister directed officials to accelerate the process and ensure all beneficiaries are registered at the earliest.

A key decision taken during the meeting was the launch of Jan-Poshan Kendras on a pilot basis at 30 selected FPSs. These centers will offer nutritious products like millets alongside regular PDS items to improve nutritional access for beneficiaries.

To ensure the success of this initiative, a team of officials will visit Jan-Poshan Kendras in other states to study their functioning and adopt best practices.