After Centre’s Decision, Odisha Govt Set To Extend Free Rice Distribution

Bhubaneswar: After the Centre’s decision to continue the supply of free fortified rice under Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) till 2028, the Odisha government is also set to extend the duration of the supply in the state.

Stating this on Thursday, Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Krushna Chandra Patra thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the decision.

The Minister said that the state government will also extend the supply of free fortified rice under its own scheme.

Patra further stated that e-KYC verification process for ration cards is currently underway in the state. Over 2.30 crore e-KYC verification has already been completed so far, while around one crore verification is still to be made, he said, adding that the process is likely to be completed in next 15-20 days.

After the completion of the process, new ration cards will be issued to the beneficiaries. After the completion of the e-KYC process, the number of ineligible persons will be known and necessary deletion made in the list of beneficiaries, he added.