Nabarangpur, Dec, 17:While the Winter Session of the State Legislative Assembly is currently underway, supplementary expenditure demands for the Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Department and the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Backward Classes and Minority Welfare Department were presented in the House yesterday. Jharigaon MLA Shri Narsingh Bhatra supported these demands and placed before the Deputy Speaker the various initiatives undertaken by the government for the development of both departments.
Addressing the House, MLA Shri Bhatra stated that nearly two-thirds of the state’s population is directly benefiting from the Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare schemes. At present, 99,52,153 families are covered under these schemes, and ration cards have been issued to 3,27,83,673 members. Due to various measures adopted by the government to bring transparency into the system, irregularities have been eliminated. The e-KYC process has helped in removing many ineligible beneficiaries. He further said that the government’s “One Nation One Ration Card” scheme has brought smiles to the faces of beneficiaries.
The MLA pointed out that earlier there were many irregularities in the mandis (procurement centres), but the present government has taken several corrective steps. New methods and modern mandi systems have been introduced for better management. Various ancillary facilities have been provided, including tents, chairs, and arrangements for safe drinking water at each mandi. Earlier, grievances often went unresolved, but now the government has deployed mandi officers and supervisors to address issues promptly. To prevent distress sale, MSP along with input assistance has been fixed at Rs. 3,100.
Similarly, for strengthening the educational infrastructure of Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe students, the government has taken several initiatives. Adequate budgetary provisions have been made for the upgradation of 15 ashram schools and 14 high schools. Provision has also been made for 83 hostels with a total capacity of 9,006 beds. Several steps have been taken to address basic problems in rural areas.
Under the Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Utkarsh Yojana, special emphasis has been laid on improving drinking water supply and healthcare services. Under this scheme, 7,666 tribal-dominated villages have been identified, with focused attention on the livelihood, development, and overall well-being of tribal communities.
Therefore, the MLA concluded that additional budgetary allocation is essential for the continued development of these two departments, and hence the supplementary expenditure demands deserve full support.
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