Bhubaneswar: In a major move to provide relief to the poor, the Odisha government is considering a proposal to double the monthly rice allocation for ration card holders from 5 kg to 10 kg per person.
As per official sources, around 3.25 crore beneficiaries across the state are likely to benefit if the proposal gets approval from the government. The Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Department is set to send the proposal to Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi for final approval.
According to Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Krushna Chandra Patra, the state government is seriously considering the plan to increase rice distribution, as many poor families find the 5 kg quota insufficient for their needs. The Chief Minister will take a final decision on the proposal, he said.
Stating that the expense for the enhanced quota will be borne by the state government, Patra said the final decision lies with the Chief Minister. If approved, the additional rice allocation is expected to provide significant relief to economically weaker households and ensure better food security across the state, the Minister added.