Amritsar, July 22 (Bureau):Ajnala MLA Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal has welcomed the Punjab Government’s decision to issue 1 million (10 lakh) new ration cards, stating that under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the state government is committed to ensuring that every eligible and needy family benefits from government welfare schemes.
Dhaliwal informed that under the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013 and the Smart Ration Card Scheme, applications for new ration cards and the inclusion of newly eligible family members in existing ration cards will be accepted from July 22 to August 11, 2026. He said the entire process will be transparent, digital, and corruption-free, ensuring that every eligible family receives its rightful benefits without recommendations or bribery.
He further stated that out of the 1 million new ration cards, 700,000 will be issued to eligible families, while 300,000 will be allocated to e-Shram registered workers and migrant labourers under the National Food Security Act. This initiative aims to extend food security benefits to a larger number of vulnerable families.
Dhaliwal said the government has simplified the application process. Eligible applicants can submit their applications through Seva Kendras, Common Service Centres (CSCs), District Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Offices, or via the online portal. Applicants will receive an SMS acknowledgment upon submission and can also track the status of their applications online.
He added that the verification process will include digital verification, geo-tagging, time-stamping, and cross-checking with government databases to eliminate fake ration cards and ensure that only deserving beneficiaries receive the benefits.
The MLA said priority will be given to widows, persons with disabilities, senior citizens, Below Poverty Line (BPL) families, families suffering from serious illnesses, residents of kutcha houses, and low-income households.
In addition to 5 kilograms of wheat, every newly eligible beneficiary will also receive the “Meri Rasoi Poshtik Kit” under the scheme.
Dhaliwal urged all eligible families to submit their applications between July 22 and August 11 to benefit from the welfare initiative. He reiterated that the Punjab Government’s objective is to ensure that no deserving family is deprived of its rightful benefits and that government services reach every needy citizen with complete transparency.
KL JIT WALIA
