*Historic announcement by CM Bhagwant Singh Mann; 40 lakh families to receive free ration under ‘Meri Rasoi Yojna’*

*Each ration kit will include 2 kg moong-chana dal and sugar, 1 kg salt, 200 grams turmeric, and 1 litre mustard oil: Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*Lakhs of poor & Dalit families across Punjab will benefit most from this scheme: Harpal Singh Cheema*

*These kits will be provided in addition to wheat received by beneficiaries under the NFSA: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*Honest AAP Govt is spending every single penny of public money on serving people: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*Under Akali-BJP & Congress Govts, public money was looted & leaders filled their own pockets: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*Our Govt’s people-centric budget will further strengthen welfare measures while safeguarding interests of every section of society: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

CHANDIGARH, 23rd February 2026:In a landmark initiative aimed at strengthening food and nutrition security for the first time at this scale in Punjab, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Monday announced the launch of the ‘Meri Rasoi Yojna’, under which 40 lakh families will receive free quarterly food kits starting April, in addition to wheat provided under the National Food Security Act.

Unveiling the scheme, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said his government “knows how to generate resources for people’s welfare schemes” and works with “honesty and vision,” emphasising that ensuring nutritious food for every child is a moral responsibility, not merely a promise. He added that the upcoming pro-people Budget will further broaden welfare measures to safeguard the interests of every section of society.

Addressing the media, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said the initiative reflects the Punjab government’s commitment to strengthening food and nutrition security for every household in Punjab. Recalling Punjab’s stellar contribution in making the country self-reliant in food production, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The hard working and resilient farmers of Punjab have worked tirelessly to ensure that no one in the country sleeps hungry. Our state has always led from the front in feeding the nation. However, there are still some families within Punjab who struggle to manage daily meals. Keeping their hardships in mind, the state government has started this ambitious ‘Meri Rasoi Yojna’.”

Detailing the scheme, the Chief Minister noted, “Under this scheme, the state government will provide food kits to 40 lakh families. Each kit will contain two kilograms of lentils, two kilograms of sugar, one kilogram of salt, 200 grams of turmeric powder and one litre of mustard oil for monthly consumption. These food kits will be provided in addition to the wheat already being distributed to eligible beneficiaries under the National Food Security Act.”

He further informed that Markfed will serve as the nodal agency for the initiative. “Markfed will be the nodal agency for providing these kits and they will be supplied free of cost by the Food and Civil Supplies department,” CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, adding that the government has put in place a robust mechanism to ensure smooth distribution.

Emphasising Punjab’s legacy, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Punjabis have steered the country out of food crises in the past, and this initiative is part of the series of pro-people policies that our government has undertaken for public welfare. This guarantee was not written and was not part of our party’s manifesto, but it is our moral responsibility towards the people of Punjab, and we are fulfilling it.”

Highlighting the impact on children and families, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “This initiative will ensure that every child in the state has access to nutritious food, thereby strengthening food and nutrition security across Punjab.”

He announced that the distribution will begin in April. “Starting from the month of April, these kits will be distributed free of cost every quarter,” CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said. He assured that quality would not be compromised under any circumstances. “The Punjab government will ensure strict quality checks on all items supplied. Any complaint regarding poor quality or irregular supply will be dealt with strictly,” he said.

Reiterating his government’s resolve, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Our government is firmly committed to the well-being of every section of society. The ensuing pro-people budget of the state will be another step forward in strengthening welfare measures for the people of Punjab.”

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*Punjab Cabinet, led by CM Bhagwant Singh Mann, clears landmark ‘Punjab Govt Food Programme’ to provide wheat, sugar, oil & salt to 40 lakh NFSA families*

*Bhagwant Mann Govt targets ₹12,800 crore excise revenue in 2026-27, projects doubling in five years; Major boost for public welfare schemes*

*Flood-hit farmers cultivating Govt land to receive one-time compensation on humanitarian grounds*

*Cabinet extends OTS Scheme till June 30, 2026 for Govt Departments and PSUs*

*Transparent Reward Policy approved to strengthen crackdown on wanted criminals*

*Budget Session of 16th Punjab Vidhan Sabha from March 6-16, Budget on March 8*

*361 Staff Nurse posts to be revived; Covid volunteers to get age relaxation and additional marks in recruitment*

CHANDIGARH, 23rd February 2026:In a sweeping set of decisions that blend welfare expansion with fiscal assertiveness, the Punjab Cabinet led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Monday cleared the landmark ‘Punjab Government Food Programme’ to provide wheat, sugar, oil and salt to 40 lakh families covered under the National Food Security Act (NFSA), marking one of the most extensive food security interventions in the Punjab’s history. The Council of Ministers, chaired by CM Bhagwant Singh Mann, also set an ambitious target of ₹12,800 crore in excise revenue for 2026-27 with projections to double collections over the next five years to significantly bolster public welfare schemes.

Alongside the food programme, the Cabinet approved one-time humanitarian compensation for flood-hit farmers cultivating government land, extended the OTS Scheme for government departments and PSUs till June 30, 2026, and cleared a transparent Reward Policy to intensify action against wanted criminals.

The government also announced that the Budget Session of the 16th Punjab Vidhan Sabha will be held from March 6 to 16, with the Budget to be presented on March 8. In a boost to the health sector, 361 Staff Nurse posts will be revived, with Covid volunteers receiving age relaxation and additional marks in recruitment, signalling a calibrated push toward welfare delivery, financial consolidation and administrative reform under the Bhagwant Singh Mann government.

Disclosing this here today, the Chief Minister’s Office stated that this path-breaking initiative stipulates that the government will distribute wheat along with sugar, mustard oil, and salt to the registered beneficiaries under the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013 in the state. This will provide significant relief to the people of the state, especially the weaker and underprivileged sections of society, including 40 lakh NFSA card holders, enabling them to provide nutritious food to their children. The move will immensely benefit the common man by ensuring the supply of quality food material through a robust Public Distribution System from the month of April.

*Bhagwant Mann Govt targets ₹12,800 crore excise revenue in 2026-27, projects doubling in five years*

The Cabinet also approved the Excise Policy of the state for the financial year 2026-27, targeting excise revenue collection of ₹12,800 crore for the financial year 2026-27. This reflects an increase of ₹1,600 crore (12.5%) over the revised target of ₹11,200 crore set for the previous financial year by the Finance Department. Excise revenue, which stood at approximately ₹6,200 crore at the beginning of the present government’s tenure, is projected to double over a five-year period.

*Flood-hit farmers cultivating Govt land to receive one-time compensation on humanitarian grounds*

The Bhagwant Mann Cabinet also approved payment of compensation to farmers who have been cultivating government lands for crop damage caused by floods during Monsoon 2025.

As per the decision, farmers whose crop damage was assessed during the special girdawari of 2025 but who were not granted compensation because their girdawari had been changed in favour of the government pursuant to directions dated 15.09.2015 of the Hon’ble High Court and the State Government letter dated 25.09.2015 will now be given compensation. This will be implemented as a one-time measure on humanitarian grounds and will not confer proprietary rights in any manner.

Accordingly, wherever the person recorded in the khasra girdawari prior to 25.09.2015 is still cultivating the land, or his legal heirs are cultivating it, compensation will be disbursed to that person or the legal heirs, as the case may be. In cases where there is a change in possession not in consonance with the revenue records of the year 2015, no compensation shall be granted. A committee comprising the Sarpanch, Nambardar, and Patwari will verify the status and submit a report for disbursement of compensation to eligible farmers.

*Cabinet extends OTS scheme till June 30, 2026 for Govt departments and PSUs*

The Cabinet also approved the extension of the validity of the OTS Scheme notified on 13.03.2025 from 31.12.2025 to 30.06.2026. This extension shall apply only to plots allotted to Government Departments/PSUs and to allottees who had submitted appeals for restoration of plots under the policy dated 07.05.2025 and were eligible to settle their dues under the OTS Scheme, and whose plots have been restored by the Board of Directors of PSIEC. They shall be permitted to settle their dues under the OTS Scheme dated 13.03.2025 up to 30.06.2026 along with interest.

*Transparent reward policy approved to strengthen crackdown on wanted criminals*

The Cabinet also approved the Reward Policy of the State of Punjab for the arrest of wanted criminals. This move aims to institutionalize a transparent and systematic mechanism for granting rewards, thereby motivating informers and recognizing the efforts of law enforcement personnel in apprehending wanted criminals.

*Sanctioning powers under various slabs have been vested with SSPs, CPs, the DGP, and other competent officers.*

The Cabinet also approved the creation of two additional posts of Vice-Chairpersons in the Economic Policy and Planning Board. Consequently, the number of Vice-Chairpersons in the Board will increase from the existing three to five. This will enable sector-specific focus, improved monitoring of schemes, better coordination with departments and District Planning Committees, and faster decision-making.

*Budget session of 16th Punjab Vidhan Sabha from March 6-16, Budget on March 8*

The Cabinet also approved the summoning of the 12th session (Budget Session) of the 16th Punjab Vidhan Sabha from March 6 to March 16. The Governor’s Address will take place on March 6, and the Finance Minister will present the Budget for 2026-27 on March 8.

*Covid volunteers to get age relaxation and additional marks in recruitment*

The Cabinet also approved granting the benefit of additional marks and special relaxation in the upper age limit to Covid volunteers who worked during the pandemic in the Department of Health and Family Welfare, as well as to employees working on a contractual/outsource basis under the department, against vacant posts of Group-C and Group-D. This benefit will be applicable in direct recruitment during the current year up to 31.12.2026, treating the services rendered during the COVID pandemic as relevant experience.

*Green Signal to revive & fill 361 staff nurse posts*

The Cabinet also approved the revival and filling of 361 vacant posts of Staff Nurses (Group-C) in the Department of Health and Family Welfare. These include 224 posts that have been lying vacant for more than one year and 137 posts that have been vacant for less than one year. These posts will be filled through Baba Farid University of Health Sciences, Faridkot, by taking them out of the purview of the Punjab Subordinate Staff Selection Board.

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*2,500 Jobs & Major Industrial Boost as Tata Steel’s ₹3,200 Crore Ludhiana Plant Begins Operations from March: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*Second Largest Tata Steel Plant in India After Jamshedpur Now in Punjab: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*Mega Tata Steel Project to Strengthen Ludhiana’s Industrial Ecosystem: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*Punjab Govt Ensured Time-Bound Execution of Tata Steel’s Largest Punjab Investment: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

CHANDIGARH, 23rd February 2026:Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Monday said that Punjab’s industrial resurgence has received a major fillip with the commencement of operations of Tata Steel’s mega manufacturing plant in Ludhiana from March, asserting that the project reflects the growing confidence of global industry in the state’s progressive policies and stable governance framework.

Interacting with a senior delegation from Tata Steel, including Vice President Long Products Ashish Anupam and senior representatives from Corporate Affairs, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Tata Steel Group is among the world’s leading steel manufacturers, with an annual crude steel capacity of approximately 34 million tonnes per annum and a strong global footprint across multiple geographies.”

The Chief Minister noted, “Tata Steel Limited is establishing a 0.75 MTPA Electric Arc Furnace based steelmaking facility along with a Rebar Mill near HiTech Valley, Ludhiana. Spread over 115 acres, the project initially envisaged an investment of approximately ₹2,600 crore, which has now increased to ₹3,200 crore. The plant is expected to generate employment opportunities for around 2,500 persons, thereby strengthening the region’s industrial ecosystem.”

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann emphasized that the unit will utilize 100 percent steel scrap as raw material and will adopt a sustainable and environmentally responsible production process. “The Electric Arc Furnace route significantly reduces carbon emissions compared to conventional blast furnace technology, reinforcing Punjab’s commitment to green and sustainable industrial development,” he said.

Highlighting the proactive role played by the Punjab government, the Chief Minister said, “The Punjab government facilitated the construction and operationalisation of this mega project in a time bound manner, reflecting Punjab’s industrial friendly policies and proactive governance framework.”

Declaring the project as a matter of immense pride, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “This facility is the second largest plant of Tata Steel in India after Jamshedpur and represents the company’s largest investment in Punjab.” Reiterating the government’s commitment to sustained industrial expansion, he assured full support and cooperation to Tata Steel for the successful operation and future expansion of the project.

Cabinet Minister Sanjeev Arora, Chief Secretary KAP Sinha and other senior officials were also present on the occasion.