Odisha: Govt nod to Rs 960 crore aid to food security beneficiaries

With thepanchayat polla few months away, theOdisha governmenthas sanctioned distribution of livelihood assistance of Rs 1,000 each for nearly 96 lakh households under the National Act (NFSA), 2013, and the State Food Security Scheme (SFSS).
The initiative will cost the State Government Rs 960 crore. The state food supplies and consumer welfare department has already released the amount to various districts, while modalities have also been finalised for distribution of the amount within seven days.

Smart cards, recently distributed under theBiju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana, will be the primary identity proof of the beneficiaries to receive the assistance. Eligible families, who are yet to receive the smart cards, can produce the NFSA and SFSS cards as proof to claim the amount.

A similar list of panchayat beneficiaries will be prepared. The amount is likely to be distributed at the panchayat level. The district collectors will update the daily consolidated disbursement report to the food supplies department.