Bhubaneswar, June 13: In a major initiative to bolster food security and support households burdened by rising prices, the Odisha government has announced the launch of Jan Poshan Kendras in every panchayat across the state. These centres will offer essential commodities such as rice, atta (wheat flour), sugar, salt, and pulses at subsidised rates.

Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Krushna Chandra Patra revealed that the scheme will begin with a pilot phase involving five Jan Poshan Kendras. This trial run will help the government assess on-ground challenges, gather public feedback, and make necessary improvements before scaling up the initiative statewide.

A notable feature of the scheme is its inclusive targeting of the middle-class population, a group often excluded from existing food subsidy programmes. Minister Patra emphasized that the initiative aims to support families struggling with escalating costs of essential goods, particularly those who are ineligible for current welfare schemes.

The government is currently working on framing eligibility criteria and preparing detailed operational guidelines to ensure fairness and transparency. Once finalized, the scheme is expected to provide a much-needed relief to a wide section of Odisha’s population.

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