Bhubaneswar, 2 April (H.S.): Wheat will now be distributed along with rice under the Food Security Scheme. The BJD government had previously halted the distribution of wheat to beneficiaries, but the state government has now decided to resume the distribution of wheat. This announcement was made in response to a supplementary question raised by BJD MLA Gautam Buddha Das in the State Assembly today.

Civil Supply Minister Krishna Chandra Patra informed that after discussions with the central minister, the first phase of wheat supply has already begun. However, due to inadequate warehousing and transportation facilities, the complete distribution of wheat has not yet been fully achieved. He stated that the state government will re-engage with the central government to resolve the issue and ensure the fulfillment of its commitments.

The minister also mentioned that due to an increase in rice production, there has been a rise in rice procurement as well. Earlier, the Food Corporation of India (FCI) used to procure 26 lakh metric tons of rice, but now it will procure an additional 20 lakh metric tons. This year, a total of 46 lakh metric tons of rice will be procured. After this, 10 lakh metric tons of rice will be stored in government warehouses, while the remaining 5 lakh metric tons will be made available for free distribution.

However, the minister did not specify when or in what proportion wheat will be distributed. He assured that the state government is fully committed to fulfilling its promises.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda