5.5 lakh ration card holders to benefit as Punjab Government adds 2,800 depots

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann is set to give a major boost to the state’s public distribution system by issuing licences to 2,800 new ration depot holders under the government’s new ration depot allotment policy.

The licences will be distributed during a function at Vikas Bhavan in Mohali. The initiative aims to ensure that beneficiaries do not have to travel long distances to collect their ration and can access essential supplies closer to their homes.

Under the new policy, 633 depots will be allotted to members of the Scheduled Castes, 199 to the Backward Classes category, 181 to ex-servicemen, 39 to freedom fighters, 156 to persons with disabilities and 17 to families affected by riots, reflecting the government’s focus on social justice and inclusive development.

The opening of these new depots is expected to benefit around 5.50 lakh ration card holders across Punjab by improving accessibility and reducing travel time for beneficiaries.

At present, the Punjab Government distributes free wheat every month and the “Meri Rasoi” ration kits (once in three months) to nearly 40 lakh families registered under the Smart Ration Card Scheme, through around 14,000 ration depots across the state.

A senior Food and Civil Supplies Department official said the government's long-term objective is to establish a ration depot in every village and urban locality. The new allotment policy, the official said, marks a significant step towards ensuring social justice, transparent governance and greater convenience for people across Punjab.