More than 13.70 lakh people in Odisha have applied for enrolment in the ration card list, Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Krushna Chandra Patra informed the state assembly on Wednesday.

In a written reply to a query by Bijaya Kumar Dalabehera, the minister stated that a total of 6,76,994 applications have been submitted, seeking inclusion for 13,70,178 individuals in the state’s ration card system.

However, the minister’s response did not specify the time frame during which these applications were received.

The rising number of applicants highlights the growing demand for subsidized food supplies under government welfare schemes. Many households depend on ration cards for essential commodities provided through the Public Distribution System (PDS).

Officials are expected to scrutinize and process the applications before finalizing the updated ration card list.