Odisha govt directs Collectors to ensure preparation of ration cards by April 22, distribution soon

In a move to enhance the Public Distribution System (PDS), the Odisha government has announced plans to issue ration cards to new and left-out eligible beneficiaries shortly. This initiative is set to streamline the provision of essential commodities to eligible families.

Officials have been instructed to ensure the preparation of these ration cards by 22 April. The directive has been communicated to district collectors across Odisha.

As per a letter from the Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Department, the venue and date for the formal launch of the distribution of new ration cards to the eligible beneficiaries will be intimated shortly.

Government Letter

In a letter to all the Collectors, Principal Secretary, Sanjay Kumar Singh, Govt of Odisha, wrote, “I am to inform you that Government has approved for distribution of new ration cards to the eligible applicants and addition of new members in the existing ration cards after proper field verification with reference to the eligibility criteria notified in ‘Odisha State Food Security (Targeted Public Distribution System) Rules, 2020’, against the arising vacancies in the NFSA and SFSS ration card databases. Access has been given to the Block/ULB level BDO/EO users in RCMS to move the eligible cases retained in Draft Priority List (DPL) to the Final Priority List (FPL) after e-KYC verification of all members in the ration card and generate ration card PDFs.”

“Instructions shall be issued to all Block Development Officers, Municipal Commissioners/Executive Officers to generate the coloured ration card pdfs from the system (both sides) by 20thApril 2025 and laminate the same. The laminated copies of ration cards shall be kept with the Block/ULB offices which will be distributed to the beneficiaries by organizing functions, through Hon'ble Member of Parliament (MP)/Honble Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) and other dignitaries as decided by the Collector,” the letter added.

Enhancing Support for Beneficiaries

The government aims to improve the efficiency and reach of the ration distribution network. By standardising the issuance of new cards, they intend to support millions of families relying on subsidised food and supplies.