Bhubaneswar, Aug 15: In a major welfare push on the occasion of the 79th Independence Day, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Friday announced the expansion of the Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, aimed at strengthening food security for the state’s most vulnerable communities.

Under the newly extended scheme, over 27 lakh beneficiaries from 11 backward districts will receive an additional 5 kilograms of rice per month for three months—completely free of cost. The targeted districts include the eight KBK (Undivided Kalahandi-Balangir-Koraput) districts, along with Boudh, Gajapati, and Kandhamal, which have long struggled with poverty and limited access to essential resources.

This initiative is part of the state government’s broader mission to ensure no family goes hungry, especially in remote and economically weaker regions. The Chief Minister emphasized that the welfare of the poor remains a top priority for his administration. “Food is a basic right, and we are committed to ensuring that every household in Odisha has access to it,” he said during his address at the state-level Independence Day celebration in Bhubaneswar.

The announcement was met with widespread appreciation from citizens and community leaders, many of whom hailed the move as timely and compassionate. Beneficiaries expressed relief and gratitude, noting that the additional rice would help ease the burden of rising food costs and seasonal unemployment.

Officials confirmed that the distribution will begin immediately, with local authorities coordinating logistics to ensure smooth delivery across all designated districts.

The Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana has already played a vital role in supporting low-income families during times of crisis, and its expansion signals the government’s continued commitment to inclusive development and social justice.

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