3.33Cr food security scheme beneficiaries in Odisha: Minister

In Odisha, a total of 3,33,27,255 persons are receiving benefits under the food security scheme. Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak on Wednesday informed this at the House. 

The total beneficiaries comprise those receiving benefits under the National Food Security Scheme and State Food Security Scheme. While 3,25,18,455 persons have been included under the National Food Security Scheme, 8,08,800 have been enrolled under the State’s own food security scheme, informed Nayak. 

From the total, as many as 1,49,353 beneficiaries have been included in the current financial year alone. So far, a total of 12,81,145 beneficiaries have died and in their place, new beneficiaries have been added.

At the same time, 1,40,547 persons have applied for inclusion in the scheme. 

After proper verification, the eligible beneficiaries would be included in the scheme, said Nayak.

Notably, the Odisha government had launched its own food security scheme on October 2, 2018, on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti. 

The objective was to cover those poor people left out from the National Food Security Act (NFSA).  

The ongoing Monsoon Session of the Odisha Legislative Assembly, which started on July 2, will continue till August 4.