Odisha Govt Allocates Rs.512 Crore To Continue ‘Aahaar’ Scheme For 5 More Years

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Cabinet has approved Rs 512 crore for the continuation of its flagship ‘Aahaar’ scheme for another five years, covering the period from 2025-26 to 2029-30. The decision aims to ensure the uninterrupted supply of cooked meals at a subsidised rate of Rs 5 to the needy across the state.

Under the revised plan, the per-meal cost has been raised from Rs 23 to Rs 27 to account for rising food and operational expenses. Despite the hike, beneficiaries will continue to pay only Rs 5 per meal, while the state government’s subsidy has been increased from Rs 18 to Rs 22.

Officials said the Aahaar Kendras operating across Odisha will maintain their focus on serving hygienic and nutritious meals, upholding the quality standards that have defined the scheme since its inception.

Launched to provide affordable meals to the urban poor, daily wage earners and vulnerable communities, the Aahaar programme has emerged as one of Odisha’s most successful welfare initiatives.