Odisha Government launches food security scheme

Odisha Government has launched State Food Security Scheme (SFSS) to benefit the 25 lakh poor people who were left out of the National Food Security Act (NFSA). It was launched by Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti (2nd October) in four districts – Bolangir, Balasore, Sundergarh and Mayurbhanj. In the rest of the parts of state, the scheme was launched bystate’s MPs and MLAs.

State Food Security Scheme (SFSS)

The main beneficiary of this scheme will be vulnerable populace of state who were excluded from coverage under NFSA. Under it, beneficiaries will get 5 kg of rice per person per month at rate of Rs. 1 per kg. This will be same as availed by people covered under the National Food Security Act, 2013. The distribution of rice will be carried out through e-Point of sale (e-PoS) device at designated fair price shops. In Odisha, about 78% of population (3,26,41,800 people of state’s total 4, 19, 74,218 population) are availing benefits of NFSA.

National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013

NFSA aims to provide subsidized food grains to approximately two thirds of the population (75% in rural areas and 50% in urban areas). It converts into legal entitlements for existing food security programmes of  Central Government such as Midday Meal Scheme, Integrated Child Development Services scheme and Public Distribution System. Under it, grains like wheat, rice and coarse grain will be distributed at the subsidized price of 3 Rs. 3, Rs. 2 and Rs. 1. Pregnant women and lactating mothers and children are entitled to get meals under prescribed nutrition by MDM and ICDS. Under it, high nutrition food is provided to children from age group of 6 months to 14 years. Pregnant women and lactating mothers are be entitled to get maternity benefit of not less than Rs. 6,000.

Month: Current Affairs - October, 2018