Odisha Cabinet approves Food Security Act, to be implemented from October 2

ONI Bureau:  Odisha Cabinet on Monday approved the Food Security Act to cover an additional 34 lakh people, who have been allegedly left out from the National Food Security Act (NFSA).

The scheme will be implemented across the state from October 2 on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti.

As many as 25 lakh beneficiaries across the state will be covered in the 1st phase. The State Government will spend Rs 220 crore extra in the first 6 months however eligible beneficiaries can apply within 2 months of the time, informed Chief Secretary Aditya Padhi today.

• As per 2011 Census population, the rate of growth of population in Odisha was 14 % in the last decade. The rate of growth translates to an increase in population by 10.22 % compared to 2011. The approximate population of the State in 2018 is 4,62,63,983. If the same percentage of 78% coverage (NFSA) is followed, then there is a shortfall in the coverage.
• Government of India has not considered State Government’s request to increase the beneficiaries upper ceiling. The issue was taken up with the Government of India a number of times to increase the target by 34.44 lakh under NFSA. Hon’ble Chief Minister had also written to Hon’ble Prime Minister on the issue. However, no response was received from Government of India.
• Hence, Government of Odisha decided to utilise its own resources to cover all poor, distressed and eligible beneficiaries who have been left out under NFSA to be covered under food security.
• The Government of Odisha is committed not to leave a single poor, distressed and eligible beneficiary from food security coverage.
• The requirement of requisite quantity of rice per year will be met out of the State Pool.
• The distribution of rice to these new beneficiaries will start from 2nd October 2018.

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