Bhubaneswar: In a significant move aimed at strengthening food security and supporting economically weaker sections of society, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has officially launched the Mukhyamantri Annapurna Yojana (MAPY). The ambitious welfare scheme seeks to provide additional free rice to beneficiaries already covered under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) and the State Food Security Scheme (SFSS).

The new initiative reflects the Odisha government's commitment to ensuring that no family in the state faces food shortages. Under the scheme, eligible beneficiaries will receive an additional five kilograms of rice per person every month free of cost. This allocation will be over and above the food grains already distributed through the Public Distribution System (PDS).

Addressing the launch event, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi emphasized that food security remains one of the government's top priorities. He stated that the welfare of poor and vulnerable families is central to the state's development agenda and that the scheme will provide much-needed relief to millions of people facing economic challenges.

Government officials estimate that the Mukhyamantri Annapurna Yojana will benefit more than 3.28 crore people across Odisha. Nearly one crore families are expected to come under the coverage of the scheme, making it one of the largest food assistance programmes in the state. The government believes that the additional supply of rice will help households manage rising living costs while ensuring access to adequate food throughout the year.

The Odisha Cabinet had approved the scheme earlier as part of a broader strategy to strengthen social welfare measures. By supplementing the food grains already provided under central and state food security programmes, the government aims to create a stronger safety net for vulnerable communities, particularly those living in rural and economically disadvantaged areas.

The scheme will be fully funded by the Odisha government. According to official estimates, the annual expenditure for implementing the programme is expected to exceed ₹8,800 crore. The state government has allocated the necessary financial resources to ensure the uninterrupted distribution of food grains to beneficiaries.

Experts have welcomed the initiative, noting that enhanced food support can play an important role in reducing hunger and improving nutritional security. They believe that the programme will particularly benefit low-income families, daily wage earners, and other vulnerable groups who often struggle with fluctuating incomes and rising household expenses.

The launch of the Mukhyamantri Annapurna Yojana marks another major welfare initiative by the Majhi government since assuming office. It highlights the administration's focus on inclusive development and social justice while addressing the basic needs of citizens.

With millions of beneficiaries set to receive additional food support every month, the scheme is expected to make a meaningful impact on household welfare across Odisha. The government has expressed confidence that the programme will strengthen food security, reduce economic hardship, and contribute to the overall well-being of the state's population.

As implementation begins across districts, authorities are preparing to ensure smooth distribution through the existing public distribution network, enabling beneficiaries to receive their entitlements efficiently and transparently.

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