Odisha CM Writes To PM, Seeks Additional Rice Under PMGKAY

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Sunday wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seeking additional allocation of rice for the next eight months under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY).

“I would like to convey my sincere thanks for providing seven months’ rice free of cost under Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) for distribution to NFSA beneficiaries in the state from May 2021 to November 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic period. Provision of foodgrains free of cost to people at this critical juncture ensured that not a single needy and vulnerable person was deprived of foodgrains during the pandemic,” Patnaik wrote.

“Odisha has prioritised distribution of seven months’ quota of PMGKAY-III foodgrains to the NFSA beneficiaries and completed it by November 5, 2021. Similar facility was also extended to all the beneficiaries of the state covered under its own Food Security Scheme,” Patnaik said.

“The effect of COVID-19 has not waned away yet completely despite a fast-paced vaccination drive undertaken across the state as cases of new infection continue to surface. Also, other economic activities are yet to reach the pre-pandemic level as a result of which people still struggle to lead a normal life with sustainable means of livelihood,” the CM said.

“Under the prevailing situations, it is felt highly necessary that the government must provide relief to the vulnerable during these critical hours. A serious cause of concern in this ongoing pandemic scenario is the challenge of food security to the needy and vulnerable,” Patnaik said.

“Since adequate foodgrains are available at present with the government, I would request you to kindly consider extension of additional allocation of rice at least for the next eight months under PMGKAY for distribution among the beneficiaries under NFSA till the pandemic situation improves and complete normalcy is restored in the State,” he added.