CM Naveen Patnaik Launches ‘One Nation-One Ration Card’ Scheme In Odisha

Bhubaneswar: Strengthening the Food Security System in the state, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Thursday (July 29) rolled out the ‘One Nation-One Ration Card’ (ONORC) program under which the National Food Security Act beneficiaries from other States can get ration in Odisha through 10,578 affordable shops. Speaking on the occasion, CM Patnaik said, “Living with dignity is everyone’s right and no one can deprive the poor of this right. The state government is trying to ensure their rights through its various schemes and will continue to work for the welfare of the poor.”

Also Read: All You Need To Know About ‘One Nation, One Ration Card’ And Its Impact On Public Distribution System

CM Patnaik also launched a scheme under the public distribution system (PDS) that will entail the distribution of fortified rice as a pilot project in the Malkangiri District. Under this scheme, around 5.40 lakh, PDS beneficiaries of Malkangiri district will be provided with 3,200 metric tonnes of vitamin-rich rice per month.

Launching the distribution of fortified rice, the Chief Minister said,

Fortified rice which contained vitamin B-12 and folic acid would be helpful to protect the health of the poor, especially of women and girls.

CM Patnaik stated that Food Security is the biggest social welfare programme of the state government, under which around 3.5 crore people of 93 lakh families are benefited.

The state government is providing rice at Rs 2 per Kg since 2008 and Rs 1 per kg from 2013 to the beneficiaries. I have always said that our aim is to ensure that poor person should not is deprived of food security, he said.

Also Read: COVID-19 Lockdown Negatively Impacted Women’s Nutrition In India: Study

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

NDTV – Dettol Banega Swasth India campaign is an extension of the five-year-old Banega Swachh India initiative helmed by Campaign Ambassador Amitabh Bachchan. It aims to spread awareness about critical health issues facing the country. In wake of the current COVID-19 pandemic, the need for WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) is reaffirmed as handwashing is one of the ways to prevent Coronavirus infection and other diseases. The campaign highlights the importance of nutrition and healthcare for women and children to prevent maternal and child mortality, fight malnutrition, stunting, wasting, anaemia and disease prevention through vaccines. Importance of programmes like Public Distribution System (PDS), Mid-day Meal Scheme, POSHAN Abhiyan and the role of Aganwadis and ASHA workers are also covered. Only a Swachh or clean India where toilets are used and open defecation free (ODF) status achieved as part of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2014, can eradicate diseases like diahorrea and become a Swasth or healthy India. The campaign will continue to cover issues like air pollution, waste management, plastic ban, manual scavenging and sanitation workers and menstrual hygiene.