The Odisha government has announced that ration card holders will receive wheat along with their regular rice quota. Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Krushna Chandra Patra stated that the state will distribute available wheat to ration card holders immediately.
Background:
- The state government had previously requested the Centre to increase the wheat quota to meet growing demand.
- The Centre has revised the wheat-rice ratio for ration card holders in Odisha and eight other states, effective October 2024.
Key Points:
- Wheat Allocation: 35 lakh metric tons of wheat will be distributed across Odisha and eight other states.
- Ration Card Holders: Beneficiaries will receive a combination of wheat and rice, with specific ratios adjusted to reflect regional consumption patterns.
- No Change in Cost-Sharing: The Centre has assured that there will be no changes in cost-sharing, including food subsidy, intra-state transportation, and dealer’s margin.
Minister's Statement:
Minister Patra said, "Even if wheat comes in the next phase from the Central Government, it will be provided to the ration card holders." This decision is expected to bring relief to ration card holders in Odisha, who have been demanding more wheat allocation.