Jharsuguda, June 19: {UDN}: The Government of Odisha has taken a historic step towards ensuring food security for every poor and underprivileged family in the state. In this regard, the district-level launch of the Mukhyamantri Annapurna Yojana was held with great enthusiasm today at the MCL Auditorium in Jharsuguda.
At the beginning of the event, district residents and guests watched a live telecast of the state-level inauguration program conducted by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Odisha through virtual mode. Subsequently, the district-level program was formally inaugurated. Various government departments also set up stalls showcasing different public welfare schemes.
Under this ambitious scheme, all eligible ration card holders covered under the National Food Security Act (NFSA), Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY), and the State Food Security Scheme (SFSS) will receive an additional 5 kilograms of rice per beneficiary per month free of cost, over and above their regular entitlement.
Since the scheme has been implemented retrospectively from April 2026, beneficiaries will receive a cumulative allocation for April, May, and June 2026, amounting to 15 kilograms of free rice per person (5 kg per month for three months). No separate ration card is required to avail of this benefit, and beneficiaries can collect the rice from their nearest Fair Price Shop (FPS).
On the occasion, 20 new ration cards were distributed to beneficiaries from different parts of the district. In addition, under the Nutrition Scheme of the Department of Women and Child Development, 10 smartphones were distributed to women to empower them and connect them with the digital world.
According to district data, 146 Fair Price Shops are currently operational across Jharsuguda district. The scheme will benefit:
Priority Household (PHH) Category:
1,10,150 ration cards
3,62,226 beneficiaries
Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY):
8,376 ration cards
20,836 beneficiaries
State Food Security Scheme (SFSS):
2,820 ration cards
5,377 beneficiaries
Overall, 1,21,346 ration card-holding families, comprising 3,88,479 beneficiaries, have been included under the scheme in Jharsuguda district. To support this initiative, a substantial quantity of rice will be distributed every month.
Speaking on the occasion, MP Pradeep Purohit said that this welfare-oriented scheme would serve as a significant milestone in extending food security to every needy family at the grassroots level. He noted that on the completion of two years of the government, a clear vision and roadmap for Odisha’s development have been prepared. Over the last two years, the government has announced around 121 new schemes, programs, and transformative initiatives, accelerating the progress of every Odia and bringing the state closer to the goal of a “Prosperous Odisha.”
Jharsuguda MLA Tankadhar Tripathy stated that comprehensive development of the region remains a top priority. Whether it is the modernization of the Mangal Bazaar Satellite Hospital or the establishment of Grain ATMs in the district, Jharsuguda is creating a new chapter of achievement in education, healthcare, and food security. He emphasized that the Mukhyamantri Annapurna Yojana would ensure that no poor family in the district goes hungry.
The district-level celebration was attended by several dignitaries, including:
Samlal Nayak, Chairman, Special Development Council
Tulabati Minz, Chairperson, Zilla Parishad
Kunal Motiram Chandra, District Collector, Jharsuguda
Bishwa Ranjan Nayak, Chief Development Officer-cum-Executive Officer
Sabyasachi Panda, Sub-Collector
Durga Charan Beshra, District Chief Supply Officer
Senior district-level officials and other distinguished guests
The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from beneficiaries and citizens across the district, reflecting widespread support for the government’s efforts to strengthen food security and social welfare.
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