Chief Minister Annapurna Yojana Launched in Nuapada; Over 5.56 Lakh Beneficiaries to Get Additional Free Rice

Nuapada: The district-level launch of the Chief Minister Annapurna Yojana was held on Thursday at the National College Auditorium in Nuapada as part of the Odisha Government’s celebration of two years of successful governance. The scheme aims to strengthen food security for poor and vulnerable families across the state. Under the scheme, 5,56,932 beneficiaries in Nuapada district will receive an additional 5 kilograms of rice per person per month free of cost, over and above their existing entitlement. At the outset, beneficiaries and guests watched the live telecast of the state-level inauguration ceremony held at the IDCO Exhibition Ground in Bhubaneswar. The scheme was formally launched by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan, Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Krushna Chandra Patra, MP Aparajita Sarangi, and Ekamra MLA Babu Singh. The district-level programme was attended by Malvika Devi as Chief Guest. Other dignitaries included Nuapada MLA Jaya Dholakia, Special Development Council Chairman Homsing Majhi, District Collector Madhusudan Dash, Khariar Road NAC Chairperson Dr. Sonia Jain, and Sinapali Block Chairperson Madhuri Majhi. The scheme covers all eligible ration card holders under the National Food Security Act> and the State Food Security Scheme. Since the programme has been implemented with effect from April 2026, beneficiaries will receive 15 kilograms of additional rice in a single instalment, covering April, May and June. According to official data, Nuapada district has 148 Fair Price Shops and 1,89,916 ration card-holder families. A total of 5,56,932 beneficiaries are expected to benefit from the scheme. On the occasion, 12 beneficiaries were distributed Chief Minister Annapurna Yojana cards, while the Women and Child Development Department provided smartphones to 10 Anganwadi workers. Among those present were Zilla Parishad Chief Development Officer-cum-Executive Officer Lambodar Dharua, District Chief Supply Officer Trinath Bhoi, senior government officials, public representatives, media personnel and a large number of beneficiaries. The programme began with a welcome address by Lambodar Dharua. It was coordinated by Swachh Bharat Coordinator Anil Kumar Lenka, while Additional Executive Officer of the Zilla Parishad Kshamanidhi Bhoi proposed the vote of thanks.