Odisha Assembly Erupts Over Ration Card Cuts and Paddy Procurement Row
The Odisha Assembly witnessed heated exchanges as opposition parties accused the government of irregularities in food security schemes and paddy procurement.
Legislators alleged that nearly 17 lakh ration cards were cut, while only 9 lakh new beneficiaries were added, leaving many eligible families excluded.
Opposition members further charged that poor-quality rice was distributed during festivals, causing financial losses, and highlighted corruption involving millers and illegal levies in districts like Kendrapara.
They also linked farmer distress, sales, and deaths to mismanagement in procurement and storage.
Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Krushna Chandra Patra defended the government’s actions, asserting that ghost ration cards were eliminated to ensure transparency.
He clarified that 97% of beneficiaries had completed e‑KYC and no one losttheir ration due to technical issues.
The minister also assured that 1.5 lakh metric tonnes of parboiled rice would be lifted after talks with the Centre.
Patra dismissed claims of farmer deaths being linked to procurement, citing official reports of natural causes.
He emphasised that reforms were necessary to correct anomalies where ineligible individuals, including government employees and taxpayers, had ration cards.
The debate underscored the political tension ahead of panchayat elections, with the opposition accusing the ruling party of politicising ration card cuts, while the government maintained that reforms were aimed at rightful inclusion and transparency.
