Odisha govt to open rice ATMs across state for distribution of PDS rice
BHUBANESWAR: The Odisha government on Thursday announced that it would open rice ATMs in Bhubaneswar within a week. This was revealed by food supplies and consumer welfare (FS&CW) minister Krushna Chandra Patra.
“The state government will open rice ATMs in the capital city Bhubaneswar within a week. This is the first-of-its-kind initiative in Odisha. The ration card holders can get rice from the ATMs by using their cards,” said the minister after reviewing the implementation of various schemes and initiatives of the FS&CW department.
In subsequent phases, rice ATMs will be opened in all 30 districts of Odisha, added the minister.
The rice ATMs or Automated Multi-Commodity Grain Dispensing Machines will be opened under the ‘Annapurti’ initiative of the Union Government.
In another development, minister Patra said the state government will honour its promise of increasing the procurement price of paddy to Rs 3,100 per quintal made in the poll manifesto.
Informing about the development,
“The promised amount will be credited to the bank accounts of the farmers within 48 hours of selling paddy. We have already issued directions in this regard and work has already been started accordingly. The procurement of paddy will be done perfectly, leaving no room for katni-chhatni (deduction in weight to adjust moisture content in paddy,” he said.
“The Union government’s hike of the MSP to Rs 2,300 has favoured us. We would have to pay Rs 917 more. Now, we have to pay Rs 800 more,” he added.
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Photograph: Representational image of rice ATM (Internet picture)