In a major push to strengthen food security and ensure welfare reaches every deserving household without corruption or favouritism, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Tuesday announced that the state government will issue 10 lakh new ration cards under a transparent, technology-driven system based on the principle of ‘No Cash, No Farmaish’.
Applications for new ration cards and inclusion of new family members will begin from July 22, with priority being given to vulnerable sections of society. Of the total beneficiaries, 7 lakh ration cards will be issued to newly eligible families, while 3 lakh e-Shram and migrant workers will be brought under the National Food Security Act (NFSA). Every new beneficiary will receive 5 kg of wheat along with the Meri Rasoi Nutrition Kit, further strengthening food and nutritional security across the state.
Addressing a press conference, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the Transparent Ration Card Inclusion Drive is being conducted on the twin principles of ‘No Cash, No Farmaish’. “Punjab is adding 10 lakh new eligible beneficiaries to the ration card system, making this one of the largest food security inclusion drives in recent years. Of these, around 3 lakh e-Shram and migrant workers will be covered under the National Food Security Act, while another 7 lakh eligible beneficiaries will be brought under the scheme through fresh applications and inclusion of new members in existing ration cards,” he said.
The Chief Minister said that the application process has been made simple and citizen-friendly. “People can apply online, at Seva Kendras, Common Service Centres (CSCs) or District Food Offices. Every applicant will receive an SMS acknowledgement and will be able to track the status of the application. The application link is also available on the homepage of the Food Department’s website,” said CM Bhagwant Singh Mann.
Taking a dig at previous governments, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated that the welfare system had earlier been driven by political patronage instead of public interest. “Previous governments issued ration cards only to their own supporters. Our government has replaced favouritism with transparency. Technology will ensure that welfare reaches the right people fairly, honestly and without discrimination,” said CM Bhagwant Singh Mann.