Bhubaneswar’s Aahar centres witnessed heavy crowds on Thursday as LPG shortages disrupted the subsidised meal scheme.
The Rs 5 meal distribution, which usually continues until 3:00 pm, finished before 1:00 pm, leaving many beneficiaries disappointed.
Long queues formed at every centre as people rushed to secure meals before supplies ran out. Staff struggled to manage the situation, citing the lack of cooking gas as the primary reason for the early closure. The disruption sparked frustration among daily wage earners and vulnerable groups who rely on the scheme for affordable food.
Beneficiaries demanded an increase in the number of meals supplied to each centre. They argued that rising demand and frequent shortages require stronger support from authorities. Many stressed that the Aahar programme remains a lifeline for thousands in the city and must be strengthened to maintain credibility.
With hotels shutting down due to the unavailability of commercial LPG cylinders and others hiking food prices, hundreds of people are turning to Aahar centres. Students living in hostels and messes are among the worst affected, as 5 kg LPG refills are unavailable, forcing them to depend on the Rs 5 rice and dalma meals at these centres.
