Argus News - Odisha Cabinet Launches Annapurna Yojana, Beneficiaries to Get Additional 5 kg of Rice

Bhubaneswar, Apr 5: In a significant move, the Odisha state cabinet chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi approved a series of landmark decisions aimed at strengthening food security and expanding opportunities in higher education.

The meeting, held at Lok Seva Bhavan, endorsed 16 proposals across 13 departments, marking a major policy shift in welfare and development.

One of the most impactful announcements was the launch of the Mukhyamantri Annapurna Yojana. Under this scheme, all beneficiaries of the existing food security program will receive an additional 5 kilograms of rice per person free of cost.

This initiative is expected to benefit nearly 1.96 crore families, covering a population of over 3.28 crore people. To implement the scheme, the government has allocated ₹734 crore monthly, amounting to an annual expenditure of approximately ₹8,813 crore.
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In the sphere of higher education, the cabinet introduced historic changes in reservation policies. The quota for Scheduled Tribes has been raised from 12% to 22.5%, while Scheduled Castes will now enjoy 16.2% reservation, up from 8%.

For the first time, Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBC) and other backward groups will receive 11.2% reservation. These revised policies will apply to all government and private higher education institutions across the state, ensuring broader access and equity.

The cabinet also approved the Mukhyamantri Hastatanta Yojana, aimed at supporting traditional weavers. With a budget of ₹90 crore spread over five years, thousands of artisans are expected to benefit from this scheme.

Additionally, sugarcane farmers will receive incentives, and a decision was taken to reopen the Baddamba Cooperative Sugar Mill with an estimated expenditure of ₹352 crore.

Deputy Chief Ministers Pravati Parida and KV Singh Deo, along with other cabinet ministers, attended the meeting. Chief Secretary Anu Garg and senior officials from various departments also participated, deliberating on the proposals before their approval.