Bhubaneswar, April 26: In a significant move to strengthen food security, the Odisha government has announced plans to distribute six lakh new ration cards to eligible beneficiaries. Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Krushna Chandra Patra made the announcement on Monday.

The new distribution comes after a thorough drive to cancel ineligible and duplicate ration cards. Cards belonging to individuals who are paying income tax or holding high-salaried jobs were revoked, as they no longer meet the eligibility criteria for subsidized food benefits. Additionally, around five lakh ration cards belonging to deceased persons were removed from the state database.

Minister Patra emphasized that this cleanup has opened up opportunities for genuinely deserving citizens to access the Public Distribution System (PDS). "We are committed to ensuring that no poor or eligible family is left out," he said.

Acknowledging reports of accidental cancellations, Patra assured affected individuals that they can reapply through the official portal. "After proper verification, new cards will be issued to them," he added, stressing the government’s dedication to a fair and inclusive process.

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