Odisha Assembly Erupts Over Ration Card Cuts
Odisha Assembly witnessed a stormy debate on ration card distribution during a motion discussion, with opposition parties targeting the government over alleged irregularities in food security schemes.
Legislators raised issues of ration card cuts, farmer deaths, mismanagement in paddy procurement, and distribution of substandard rice.
Congress and BJD members accused the government of removing 17 lakh ration cards while adding only 9 lakh new beneficiaries. They questioned why many eligible applicants remain excluded. They also alleged mismanagement in paddy procurement, claiming farmers faced distress sales and storage shortages. Some members highlighted reports of poor-quality rice being distributed during festivals, raising concerns about financial losses.
Opposition leaders demanded clarity on rice stock levels, procurement costs, and losses from auctions of old rice. They also alleged corruption involving millers and the collection of illegal levies in districts like Kendrapara.
BJP legislators defended the government, arguing that ghost ration cards had been eliminated, saving revenue and ensuring transparency. They said genuine beneficiaries were included and accused the opposition of politicising the issue ahead of the panchayat elections.
Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Krushna Chandra Patra rejected all allegations. He stated that 97 per cent of beneficiaries have completed e-KYC, and no one’s ration was cut for failing to update details. He clarified that 1.5 lakh metric tonnes of parboiled rice will be lifted after discussions with the Centre. He also denied claims linking farmer deaths to procurement issues, citing official reports that confirmed natural causes.
The minister emphasised that previous governments allowed ineligible beneficiaries, including government employees and taxpayers, to access ration cards. He said the current administration corrected these anomalies and ensured rightful inclusion.
