Bhubaneswar: A total of 3,87,819 new ration card beneficiaries have been included under the State’s Food Security Scheme since June 2024, Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Krushna Chandra Patra informed the Assembly on Wednesday.
In a written reply to a question by Barabati-Cuttack MLA Sofia Firdous, the Minister stated that the beneficiaries were added since June 2024.
Highlighting the status in the Barabati-Cuttack constituency, he said 5,681 applications are currently pending, with field verification underway. Eligible applicants will be issued new ration cards against existing vacancies under the scheme.
The Minister further noted that priority processing is being given to applications from senior citizens, widows, and persons with disabilities.
As of now, 95% of eKYC for eligible Public Distribution System (PDS) beneficiaries has been completed. The process is expected to be fully completed by October 31, 2025, he added.