Odisha Govt Approves Extra 5 Kg Rice for 2.4 Crore Beneficiaries Across 19 Districts
Bhubaneswar, October 23, 2025 — In a major welfare push, the Odisha government has approved an additional 5 kg of rice per person per month for 2.4 crore beneficiaries across 19 districts. The move, under the Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, aims to bridge gaps in food coverage for families previously underserved by national and state schemes.
The extra allocation supplements the existing 5 kg provided under the National Food Security Act (NFSA), Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY), and the State Food Security Scheme (SFSS). Distribution will span September to November 2025.
District collectors have been directed to ensure rice reaches fair price shops by October 31, with final distribution to conclude by November 10. The initiative targets over 70.47 lakh families, including 8.28 lakh Antyodaya households—who will now receive 40 kg monthly instead of 35 kg during this period.
The decision follows widespread complaints that current rice quotas were insufficient to meet basic consumption needs. To improve Aadhaar authentication accuracy, dealers will now use iris scanners instead of fingerprint devices, with exceptions for elderly, differently-abled, critically ill, and leprosy patients.
This expanded allocation underscores the state’s commitment to food security and inclusive welfare.
