Licenses for 2,800 New Ration Depots Issued in Punjab; 5.5 Lakh Cardholders to Benefit

August 12, 2026

The Punjab government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, has taken a significant step towards strengthening the Public Distribution System (PDS) by issuing licenses for 2,800 new ration depots across the state.

Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann handed over the licenses to selected depot operators during an event held at Vikas Bhawan in Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar (Mohali). Several senior state government officials, including Punjab’s Minister for Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Affairs, Lal Chand Kataruchak, were present at the event.

According to the Punjab government, the opening of these new ration depots will directly benefit approximately 5.5 lakh ration cardholders. It will provide relief, particularly to those who previously had to travel long distances or take time off work to visit a ration depot. With the new depots opening, people will be able to access rations closer to their homes.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann remarked that ration depot operators serve as a crucial link between the government and the general public. Urging all depot holders to work with honesty and transparency, he emphasized that every eligible family must receive its full, prescribed ration without any discrimination or inconvenience.

Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann specifically directed that the needs of the elderly, persons with disabilities, and economically weaker families be prioritized. He stated that if a person with a disability is unable to reach the ration depot, assistance must be ensured so that they can avail the full benefits of the government scheme.

According to the Punjab government, all 2,800 licenses were awarded through an interview-based selection process that prioritized social inclusivity. Of the licenses issued, 633 were allocated to applicants from Scheduled Castes (SC) and 199 to those from Other Backward Classes (OBC). Additionally, 181 licenses were granted to ex-servicemen, 39 to families of freedom fighters, 156 to persons with disabilities, and 17 to riot-affected families. The Punjab government states that efforts have been made to ensure adequate representation for various sections of society in the selection process.

Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann remarked that this initiative goes beyond merely strengthening the ration distribution system; it will also create new employment and livelihood opportunities for thousands of families. Operating a ration depot is not just a means of earning an income but also entails a significant responsibility towards society and the underprivileged. The state government aims to establish a sufficient number of ration depots in both rural and urban areas, ensuring that essential food supplies are easily accessible to people near their homes and sparing them from unnecessary inconvenience.

Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann also highlighted the food security schemes currently underway in Punjab. He noted that approximately 40 lakh families in the state are receiving free wheat and ration kits under the Smart Ration Card scheme. The ‘Meri Rasoi’ kit includes pulses, spices, and other essential household food items, providing additional support to needy families.

Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann instructed officials and all new ration depot operators to ensure that the ration distribution process remains completely transparent and accountable. He emphasized that no eligible beneficiary should be denied their entitled ration and directed that public grievances be addressed in a timely manner.

The Punjab government believes that the opening of new ration depots will further extend the reach of the Public Distribution System to the last person in the queue. However, the success of this system will also depend on the timely delivery of food grains to the depots, regular monitoring of the distribution process, and the availability of an effective grievance redressal mechanism for beneficiaries.