Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has announced a major food security initiative under which 10 lakh new ration cards will be issued across the state. The application process began on July 22, with 7 lakh cards earmarked for new eligible beneficiaries and 3 lakh for e-Shram registered and migrant workers. Families can also apply to add newly eligible members.
The government says every application will undergo door-to-door verification, including geo-tagging, time stamping and API-based validation with government databases. The approval or rejection of each application will be digitally audited to ensure transparency.
Under the scheme, each beneficiary will receive 5 kg of wheat per family member, along with a kitchen kit. Priority will be given to widows, persons with disabilities, senior citizens, below-poverty-line families, households affected by illness, those living in kutcha houses and other low-income families. The Chief Minister has also clarified that ration cards will be issued only through the official online process and not through recommendations or monetary influence.
Applications can be submitted through Facilitation Centres, Common Service Centres (CSCs) and Food Supply Offices, while applicants will also be able to track their status online through the Food Department’s portal.
However, the large-scale verification exercise is expected to add to the workload of government staff already engaged in voter list revision and census-related duties. Ensuring timely implementation before the election code of conduct comes into force and preventing delays or middlemen will be key challenges.
The campaign was discussed during the Punjab Cabinet meeting, which also approved the 13th session of the 16th Punjab Legislative Assembly, scheduled to continue until August 10. With Assembly elections due early next year, the ration card drive is expected to remain a key public welfare initiative.