Chandigarh: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Thursday distributed licences to 2,800 new ration depot holders, aiming to strengthen the state’s public distribution system and ensure easier access to essential food supplies for beneficiaries.
The Chief Minister said the newly approved ration depots will bring ration distribution points closer to people’s homes, reducing the need for beneficiaries to travel long distances or miss work to collect their monthly ration.
According to officials, the initiative will benefit nearly 5.5 lakh ration card holders across Punjab.
Ration Depot Licences Allotted Through Transparent Selection Process
Addressing a gathering in Mohali, CM Bhagwant Mann said the allotment of ration depot licences was carried out through an interview-based selection process to ensure transparency and fairness.
He said the government has introduced a system based on merit and eligibility instead of political recommendations, with the objective of eliminating favouritism in the selection process.
Mann added that representation from different sections of society was ensured while distributing the licences.
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SC, OBC and Other Groups Receive Representation
The Punjab government highlighted that the allotment process included representation for various communities and categories.
Out of the 2,800 new ration depot licences:
- 633 licences were allotted to Scheduled Castes (SCs)
- 199 licences were allotted to Other Backward Classes (OBCs)
- 181 licences were given to ex-servicemen
- 39 licences were allotted to families of freedom fighters
- 156 licences were provided to persons with disabilities
- 17 licences were allotted to riot-affected families
CM Mann said the distribution reflects the government’s commitment to inclusive participation and equal opportunities.
Smart Ration Card Scheme Provides Benefits to 40 Lakh Families
The Chief Minister said Punjab is providing free wheat and ‘Meri Rasoi’ ration kits to around 40 lakh families under the Smart Ration Card Scheme. He said expanding the ration depot network will further improve the delivery of government welfare schemes and ensure that eligible families receive benefits without difficulty.
CM Mann Highlights Change in Licence Allocation System
Bhagwant Mann said previous governments had distributed ration depot licences based on political recommendations, while his government has adopted a transparent interview-based mechanism.
He said the new process has been implemented to ensure fairness and prevent favouritism, allowing deserving applicants from different sections of society to receive opportunities.
CM Mann Attacks Opposition Over Punjab Politics
During his address, the Chief Minister also criticised opposition parties, including the Congress and Shiromani Akali Dal. Mann alleged that Congress was facing internal disagreements and lacked a clear vision for Punjab. He claimed that political conflicts within the party were affecting public welfare issues.
He also criticised Akali Dal leader Sukhbir Singh Badal, alleging that he was disconnected from the ground realities of Punjab and the concerns of ordinary citizens.
Punjab Government Focuses on Accessible Welfare Delivery
CM Bhagwant Mann said the introduction of new ration depot holders will make the public distribution system more accessible for lakhs of beneficiaries. The government said the transparent allotment process and wider representation across communities are part of its efforts to ensure fair governance and strengthen welfare delivery mechanisms in Punjab.
