Govt To Open Rice ATM In Bhubaneswar Within A Week, Says Minister

Bhubaneswar: To facilitate smooth distribution of PDS items, Odisha government has decided to open rice ATM in Bhubaneswar.

This was stated by Minister of Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Krushna Chandra Patra after chairing a meeting of his department on Thursday.

“The rice ATM will be first set up in Bhubaneswar for PDS card holders within a week. Later, the facility will be extended to all districts in the state. The beneficiaries can insert their cards in the ATM machine and receive their monthly quota,” said the minister.

He further said the government would procure Kharif paddy from the farmers at the MSP of Rs 3,100 per quintal from the current season as promised by the BJP in its election manifesto. “The Central government revised the paddy MSP to Rs 2,300 on Wednesday. It will help the state government as now it will have to bear Rs 800 per quintal from its budget instead of Rs 917,” he added.

Patra said the money would be deposited in the farmers’ accounts within 48 hours of the procurement of their produce. Besides, no “katni chhatni” (damage deduction) would be made from the farmers’ produce in mandis, he added.

The minister went to the department for the first time after assuming the office and held a review meeting on its works. He directed the officials to ensure food security to every individual and regulate the market prices of essential commodities in regular intervals.