Diwali Boost for Rice-Loving Households

In a timely Diwali gift to Odisha’s rice-loving population, the state government has announced an extra 5kg of subsidised rice per family for the next three months. This initiative targets 2.4 crore beneficiaries across 19 districts, aiming to ease post-festival financial pressure without any additional cost to families. Distribution will conclude by November 10, so residents are urged to collect their quotas promptly.

Bonus Rice Under National and State Food Security Schemes

The additional rice is being provided under the National and State Food Security Schemes. Priority households linked with Aadhaar will receive the bonus quota from September through November.

Key districts benefiting include:

• Angul, Balasore, Bargarh, Bhadrak, Cuttack, Deogarh, Dhenkanal, Ganjam, Jagatsinghpur, Jajpur, Jharsuguda, Kendrapada, Kendujhar, Khordha, Mayurbhanj, Nabarangpur, Nayagarh, Puri, Sambalpur, Sundargarh

District collectors are tasked with ensuring that fair-price shops are adequately stocked, reaching over 70.47 lakh families across the state.

Officials Highlight Relief Amid Rising Costs

A senior official commented, “With rising costs biting hard, this extra sack is a real lifeline for the poor.” Beneficiaries have long found the standard 5kg quota insufficient, making the bonus rice a welcome relief.

The initiative also encourages e-KYC compliance, as over 15 lakh households yet to complete verification risk missing the additional rice allocation.

More Rice, More Smiles in Odisha

As ration queues swell in the coming weeks, one thing is clear: in the land of pakhala bhata, extra rice means extra smiles. Beneficiaries are urged to check their ration cards and collect their quotas to enjoy this festive boost.

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