Suparjya Swain 
BHUBANESWAR: In a major policy shift aimed at addressing the changing dietary preferences of citizens, the Union government has announced a revision in the wheat-rice distribution ratio for ration card holders in Odisha and eight other states. The new rule is set to come into effect in October and will impact millions of beneficiaries under the public distribution system.
As per the revised allocation, 35 lakh metric tons (LMT) of wheat will be distributed across Odisha, Bihar, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal. This adjustment is in response to requests from various state governments, including Odisha, which had earlier sought an increased wheat quota to meet the growing demand from its residents. The move also aligns with the sharp rise in wheat production during the last Kharif season.
Under the revised policy, ration card holders in these states will now receive a combination of wheat and rice, with the ratio being tailored to reflect regional consumption patterns more accurately. The change is expected to not only cater to the growing preference for wheat but also ensure a more balanced distribution of essential grains across these regions.
Despite the adjustments, the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution has assured that there will be no changes in cost-sharing agreements. This means that the current food subsidy, intra-state transportation costs, and dealer margins will remain unaffected, ensuring a seamless transition for beneficiaries.
Odisha’s Food and Consumer Welfare Minister had previously emphasized the necessity of this change, pointing out the increasing preference for wheat among the state’s residents. With this revision, the state is expected to see improved food security and more nutritious options for ration card holders.
