Odisha to implement ‘One Nation One Ration Card’ scheme

Surjit Kumar Dhal Bhubaneswar, June 30:  Odisha Food Supplies & Consumer Welfare Minister Ranendra Pratap Swain Sunday said the Odisha Government will implement the ‘ One nation one ration card’ scheme proposed by the Centre  keeping in view the interest of the State.

Notably, the Centre had on Saturday had give one-year time to all the States and Union Territories to implement the scheme.

Swain told reporters, “We will not protest any constructive and development work, but the interest of Odisha is paramount. Keeping it in view we will implement the scheme and make sure the poor people of Odisha staying outside the State can avail its benefit.”

BJP state general secretary Prithviraj Harichandan said that as per the National Food Security Act (NFSA) a beneficiary has the right to food and in case of non-supply of the entitled quantities of foodgrains or meals, he/she shall be entitled to receive such food security allowance from the concerned State Government.

“If a person from Odisha moves to any other State, the scheme will save him the pain of applying for a new ration card. As in the case of gas connection, a consumer has to just change his dealer, the same can be done in the case of ration card, he said.