The Odisha Cabinet has greenlit the “Aahaar” scheme, allocating a substantial ₹512 crore over five financial years from 2025-26 to 2029-30.

The initiative aims to meet the rising demand for affordable nutrition while ensuring seamless delivery of subsidised meals priced at just ₹5 per plate.

Key enhancements under the revamped “Aahaar” include an increase in the overall meal cost from ₹23 to ₹27, reflecting adjustments for inflation and ingredient prices. Importantly, the beneficiary’s contribution remains unchanged at ₹5, maintaining accessibility for low-income groups.

This adjustment raises the government’s subsidy per meal from ₹18 to ₹22, underscoring a stronger fiscal support to sustain the program without burdening users.

The five-year outlay is expected to expand coverage, pote

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