Odisha's Pre-Election Jute Bag Distribution and Financial Aid: A Closer Look

Odisha spent Rs 247.36 crore on jute bags for ration card holders ahead of the 2024 elections. Each family under the public distribution system received Rs 1,000, totaling Rs 959.05 crore. Aadhaar-based e-KYC verification began on August 22, 2024, to identify and remove ineligible beneficiaries.

Odisha's government allocated Rs 247.36 crore for distributing jute bags to ration card holders in anticipation of the 2024 general elections, according to Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Krushna Chandra Patra.

In the Assembly, Patra revealed that jute bags with the 5T logo and 'Ama Odisha Nabin Odisha' slogan were allocated across all 147 assembly constituencies. Additionally, Rs 1,000 in cash was provided to PDS families, totaling Rs 959.05 crore.

Patra assured an investigation into any irregularities in the distribution. Aadhaar-based e-KYC verification for NFSA beneficiaries began on August 22, 2024, with 44.33 lakh ration cards verified so far. Ineligible recipients will be removed, and new ration cards issued by September's end.

(With inputs from agencies.)