Cabinet decision: Odisha to provide Rs 1,000 livelihood aid to PDS beneficiaries

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government will provide one-time livelihood assistance of Rs 1,000 to the beneficiary families under the public distribution system (PDS) in the state.

The state Cabinet headed by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik approved a proposal in this regard today.

As many as 95,90,526 families will be benefitted by the one-time assistance, said Chief Secretary PK Jena while briefing the media persons soon after the Cabinet meeting.

The government has also decided to distribute two jute bags of 20 kg and 10 kg capacity free of cost among the PDS beneficiaries families.

As many as 3,35,98,401 people of 95,90,526 families in Odisha will get the benefits under the two initiatives, said the Chief Secretary.

The state government will spend Rs 959.05 crore to provide the one-time assistance and Rs 278.69 crore to buy 1,91,81,052 jute carry bags, he added.