Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann Hands Over Licences To 2,800 New Ration Depot Holders, Says 5.5 Lakh Families To Benefit

Published 17 July 2026 · india

Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann Hands Over Licences To 2,800 New Ration Depot Holders, Says 5.5 Lakh Families To Benefit Published By, Last Updated: July 17

Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann Hands Over Licences To 2,800 New Ration Depot Holders, Says 5.5 Lakh Families To Benefit Published By, Last Updated: July 17, 2026, 12:19 IST Punjab CM Bhagwant Singh Mann handed over licences to 2,800 new ration depot holders, saying the move will benefit nearly 5.5 lakh ration card holders. Rapid Read Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Thursday handed over licences to 2,800 new ration depot holders, saying the move will strengthen the state’s public distribution system and make ration more accessible to people across Punjab. Speaking at a programme held at Vikas Bhawan in Mohali, the Chief Minister said nearly 5.5 lakh ration card holders will benefit from the initiative, as they will no longer have to travel long distances or miss work to collect their monthly ration. Describing the initiative as a transparent and inclusive step, Mann said the new depots have been allotted through an interview-based selection process, replacing the earlier practice of allotments based on political recommendations. He added that the government ensured representation for every section of society while issuing the licences. Representation Across Social Categories Highlighting the distribution of the new licences, the Chief Minister said 633 licences have been allotted to Scheduled Castes (SCs), 199 to Other Backward Classes (OBCs), 181 to E servicemen, 39 to the families of Freedom Fighters, 156 to Persons with Disabilities, and 17 to Riot-Affected Families. “The allotment has been made in a fair and transparent manner while ensuring representation for every section of society," Mann said. 40 Lakh Families Covered Under Smart Ration Card Scheme Reiterating his government’s focus on food security, Mann said the Smart Ration Card Scheme is currently providing free wheat and Meri Rasoi ration kits to nearly 40 lakh families across Punjab. He said previous governments distributed ration depot licences through recommendations, whereas his government introduced an interview-based selection process to eliminate favouritism and ensure transparency. ‘Not Just a Licence, But an Opportunity to Serve’ Congratulating the newly selected depot holders and their families, Mann said the licences have opened up a new source of livelihood for thousands of families while giving them an opportunity to serve society. Calling the licence “more than just a permit", the Chief Minister said the depot holders would serve as an important link between the government and the people. “This is not merely a licence but an opportunity to earn a livelihood while serving the people. You will act as a vital bridge between the government and the people, and I consider it a blessing that you have been entrusted with this responsibility," he said.