Malkangiri, 12/6/26: Malkangiri district level ‘Mukhyamantri Annapurna Yojana’ has been launched in a grand ceremony at the local culture building. At the state level, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has launched this scheme at the IDCO exhibition area in Bhubaneswar, while it has been implemented in Malkangari district in parallel. Malkangiri MLA Narsingh Madkami attended the program as the chief guest. Highlighting the importance of the scheme, MLA Shri Madkami said, “Mukhyamantri Annapurna Yojana is a landmark initiative of the state government for the development of the poor and underprivileged. Distribution of smart ration cards and smartphones will empower people in remote areas digitally and no beneficiary will be deprived of their rights. We are determined to extend this facility to every eligible family in the district.” Special Development Council Chairman Ganga Sodi, MP Representative Sanjay Sarkar, Additional District Administration Somnath Pradhan, Chief Development Officer and Executive Officer Dasharthi Sarabu, District Social Welfare Officer Suchita Panda were present in the program under the supervision of District Collector Arvind Rajashirke. Emphasizing overall administrative preparation and women empowerment in the district, the guests said in their speech, “The main objective of this scheme is to bring transparency in government schemes and deliver services directly to the people. Through smartphones, women can connect to the digital world and get information about all the welfare schemes of the government easily, which will bring a huge change in their lifestyle.” During the ceremony, Chief Development Officer and Executive Officer Mr. Sarabu delivered the welcome speech while District Supply Officer Lingaraj Behera finally thanked everyone. District Information and Public Relations Officer Pramila Majhi conducted the forum successfully. It is worth noting that 5,18,679 members of 1,59,511 families have been registered under the National Food Security Act and State Food Security Scheme in Malkangiri district. 5 kg of rice is being provided free of cost to all the beneficiaries every month and for this a total of 25,933.00 quintals of rice has been harvested every month. Now for the months of April, May and June, this rice distribution process will be implemented through ‘Mukhyamantri Annapurna Yojana’. Under this scheme, new smart ration cards have been distributed by the district supply department and smartphones have been distributed by the women and child development department. Beneficiaries can easily get their extra ration from ration shops through smart ration card. The service will be available through a total of 117 Affordable Shop Centers (including 108 Gram Panchayat Centres, 8 Women’s Self Help Groups and 1 Maitri Shop) in the district. The program was attended by a large number of stakeholders including all the employees of District Supply, District Community Welfare and District Council Offices.