An important step has been taken towards strengthening the Public Distribution System of Punjab and making essential food supplies more accessible. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann handed over licenses to 2,800 new ration depot holders. Its objective is to provide ration to the people across the state near their homes. This move will benefit about 5.5 lakh ration card holders. Those who no longer had to travel long distances to get their monthly ration.
The new depots have been allotted by the Aam Aadmi Party government through an interview-based selection process, thereby ensuring representation for all sections of the society, including Scheduled Castes (SC), Other Backward Classes (OBC), ex-servicemen, freedom fighters, persons with disabilities and riot victim families. Addressing the newly appointed depot holders in a program organized at Vikas Bhawan, Mohali, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann He described these licenses as a big responsibility to serve the people with honesty, fairness and compassion.
Allocation is fair and transparent
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said, “The allocation has been made in a fair and transparent manner, while ensuring representation for every section of the society. Of the 2,800 new licenses, 633 have been allotted to families belonging to the Scheduled Caste category, 199 to families belonging to Other Backward Classes, 181 to ex-servicemen, 39 to families of freedom fighters, 156 to persons with disabilities and 17 to families of riot victims.”
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said that under the Smart Ration Card Scheme, the state government is providing free wheat and Meri Rasoi ration kits to 40 lakh families across Punjab. “Previous governments had distributed ration depot licenses based on political recommendations. We have ended this tradition by introducing an interview-based selection system to eliminate favoritism and ensure complete transparency,” he said.
What is the new depot allocation policy
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said that the licenses have opened a new avenue of livelihood for thousands of families and have also given them an opportunity to serve the society. He said, “Today, 2,800 depot holders are being given licenses under the new depot allocation policy. This is not just a license, but an opportunity to earn a livelihood while serving the people. You will work as an important link between the government and the people and I consider it a blessing from God that you have been entrusted with this responsibility.”
The Chief Minister described this occasion as historic. He said that this initiative will greatly benefit the people of Punjab. The supply of essential services at the grassroots level will get a further boost.
Policies implemented for the welfare of the people
He said, “Our government’s policies are being implemented only for the welfare of the people. Today 40 lakh families are getting free Meri Rasoi kits containing essential household items from turmeric to pulses. It is the duty of every government to ensure that no family sleeps hungry and we are just doing our duty towards the people.”
The Chief Minister further said, I appeal to all of you to treat every eligible beneficiary with fairness, honesty and sensitivity. Consider it your duty to provide special care and assistance to the elderly, disabled persons and poor families.
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