In a major welfare initiative aimed at strengthening food security, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Friday announced that beneficiaries covered under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) and the State Food Security Scheme (SFSS) will receive an additional 5 kilograms of rice free of cost under the Mukhyamantri Annapurna Yojana.
With the latest enhancement, eligible beneficiaries will now receive a total of 10 kilograms of rice per month, providing greater support to economically weaker families across the state. The move is expected to significantly improve food availability for millions of households and reinforce the government’s commitment to social welfare and inclusive development.
According to the Chief Minister, the scheme will benefit nearly 3.28 crore people across Odisha. With around 80 per cent of the state’s population covered under the programme, the Annapurna Yojana is set to become one of the largest food security initiatives in the state.
The Odisha government has estimated an annual expenditure of approximately Rs 8,813 crore for the implementation of the expanded scheme. The additional allocation reflects the government’s focus on ensuring that vulnerable sections of society have access to adequate food and nutritional support amid rising economic challenges.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said the decision underscores the state’s commitment to public welfare and food security. The enhanced rice distribution is expected to provide substantial relief to low-income families, rural households, daily wage earners and other economically disadvantaged groups.
The announcement comes as part of the government’s broader efforts to strengthen social protection measures and improve the quality of life for citizens. Officials believe the increased food grain allocation will help reduce financial pressure on households while ensuring uninterrupted access to essential food supplies.
The Mukhyamantri Annapurna Yojana is expected to play a crucial role in supporting food security across Odisha, particularly for families dependent on subsidised food distribution under NFSA and SFSS.
