CM Mohan Majhi Launches Mukhyamantri Annapurna Yojana On Government Anniversary

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Friday launched the Mukhyamantri Annapurna Yojana, a major food security initiative aimed at ensuring that no family in the state suffers from hunger or food insecurity. The launch coincided with the completion of two years of the BJP-led state government's tenure and was marked by a public function in Bhubaneswar. Describing the scheme as a landmark welfare measure, the Chief Minister said it reflects the government's commitment to supporting vulnerable sections of society and strengthening food security across Odisha.

Addressing the gathering, Majhi said the state government is working in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of inclusive development under the principles of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas and Sabka Prayas.” He stated that the government remains dedicated to building a prosperous, self-reliant, and empowered Odisha. According to the Chief Minister, the newly launched scheme is not merely a welfare programme but a commitment to ensuring dignity and nutritional security for every household in the state.

Under the Mukhyamantri Annapurna Yojana, beneficiaries will receive an additional 5 kilograms of rice free of cost every month, over and above the existing allocation provided under the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013, and the State Food Security Scheme (SFSS). Currently, eligible beneficiaries receive 5 kilograms of free rice each month. With the implementation of the new scheme, the monthly entitlement will double to 10 kilograms per beneficiary, significantly expanding food support for millions of families.

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The government estimates that more than 3.28 crore beneficiaries from approximately 1.96 crore families will benefit from the initiative, covering nearly 80 per cent of Odisha's population. The state will spend around Rs 8,813 crore annually to implement the programme. Majhi emphasized that the expenditure should be viewed as a social investment rather than a financial burden, stating that the scheme aims to improve the quality of life of economically weaker sections and bring relief to households struggling with rising living costs.

Apart from launching the food security scheme, the Chief Minister unveiled several key development projects in Bhubaneswar. He laid the foundation stone for a 20-storey Janashraya Bhavan on Janpath, a modern accommodation facility designed to provide affordable short-term lodging for people visiting the capital from different districts. The project, estimated to cost Rs 874 crore, will be equipped with modern amenities and is expected to accommodate nearly 2,000 people at a time.

The state government also launched a large-scale smartphone distribution programme for frontline childcare and welfare workers. Under the initiative, 72,224 Anganwadi workers, 2,802 lady supervisors, and 338 block coordinators will receive smartphones to improve service delivery and digital governance. The move is expected to strengthen the functioning of Odisha's child development and welfare programmes while enhancing communication, monitoring, and implementation at the grassroots level.

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