Odisha to stop free PDS rice to over 15 lakh beneficiaries; double quota for verified cardholders

The Odisha government on Tuesday announced that free rice under the national and state food security schemes will be discontinued for ration cardholders who have not completed electronic Know Your Customer (e-KYC) verification from November.

Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Krushna Chandra Patra said the decision was taken in line with the Centre’s directive, making e-KYC mandatory for all ration cardholders under the Public Distribution System (PDS).

In an interaction with media persons, the Minister added that more than 15.67 lakh beneficiaries across the state remain unverified despite repeated extensions. He said that while they have been provided rice till October, distribution will stop from next month for those without e-KYC.

The Minister also noted that the state will consider extending the deadline if the Union government allows it.

Proposal To Increase Rice Quota

Alongside the e-KYC enforcement, the government is also planning to increase the monthly PDS rice quota from 5 kg to 10 kg per person for verified cardholders from November.

According to The New Indian Express, the Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Department will soon send a formal proposal to Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi for approval.

Patra said the move follows repeated complaints from beneficiaries that the current quota is insufficient.

Earlier, the state had distributed an additional 5 kg of rice per person from August to October to 27 lakh families across 11 districts under the Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, following the Chief Minister’s Independence Day announcement. The special allotment cost the state around Rs 180 crore.

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State Managing Surplus Rice Stock

It is worth noting that Odisha is currently holding a surplus stock of over 12 lakh tonnes of rice, and has sought the Centre’s approval to lift the excess.

Despite the Chief Minister’s communication to Union Food Minister Pralhad Joshi, the state has yet to receive a response. Reports said the proposed expansion of rice distribution could help manage this surplus, while the e-KYC compliance drive will ensure that benefits reach verified and deserving beneficiaries.