Odisha CM launches own food security scheme

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Tuesday launched the state's own food security scheme to benefit 25 lakh people who have been left out from the National Food Security Act (NFSA).

Patnaik launched the food security scheme after interacting with people of four districts through video conferencing from the state Secretariat here.

The Chief Minister said the scheme will benefit the vulnerable populace who have been excluded from the NFSA.

"We had made a promise in 2014 and I am happy that we have kept our promise to provide food to the people. I will not allow any single beneficiary to be left out under the scheme," he added.

He said the beneficiaries will get five kg of rice per person per month at a rate of Rs 1 per kg.

The state government will spend Rs 443.5 crore per annum to support the scheme and Rs 221.75 crore in the current financial year, said sources.

Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) President Niranjan Patnaik said the food security scheme is a political move to woo voters.

"The UPA had started the food security scheme and ensured subsidised rice to different states at Rs 3-4 only. The state government is making tall claims about its own food security scheme. All these moves are part of vote-bank politics," he said.

State wing Bharatiya Janata Party Vice President Sameer Mohanty said the state government did not follow transparency in selecting the beneficiaries in the scheme.

He said the increase of 34 lakh poor people in 19 years shows the failure of the Naveen Patnaik government in the state.

--IANS

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