A Rice ATM has been inaugurated in Dhenkanal district, becoming the latest addition to Odisha’s innovative food security initiative.
The facility was formally opened by the Supply Minister, Krushna Chandra Patra, marking the state’s second such installation after Bhubaneswar and Jharsuguda.
The Rice ATM will provide 24‑hour service to beneficiaries, who can withdraw their entitled rice using fingerprint authentication and card numbers. Officials said the system ensures transparency, convenience, and round‑the‑clock access to food grains.
The initiative is part of Odisha’s push to modernise the Public Distribution System (PDS). The minister announced that similar ATMs will be set up in every district in the coming days, expanding access to food security benefits across the state.
