New Ration Cards to Be Issued in Punjab*
*Applications for New Ration Cards to Open From July 22; Families Can Also Add New Members: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*Of 10 Lakh Ration Cards, 7 Lakh Will Be Issued to New Eligible Beneficiaries and 3 Lakh to e-Shram & Migrant Workers: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*‘No Cash, No Farmaish’ Principle to Be Strictly Followed in Issuance of Ration Cards: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*Widows, Persons with Disabilities, Senior Citizens and Below Poverty Line Families to Get Priority: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*Online Verification to Ensure Complete Transparency & Prevent Fake Ration Cards: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*Citizens Can Apply Through Seva Kendras, Online or Department’s Website: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*Every New Beneficiary to Receive Meri Rasoi Nutrition Kit Along With 5 kg of Wheat: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*Over 32 Lakh Families Already Benefiting Under ‘Meri Rasoi’ Scheme: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*Previous Govts Issued Ration Cards Only to Their Own Favourites: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
CHANDIGARH; 21st July 2026:In a major push to strengthen food security and ensure welfare reaches every deserving household without corruption or favouritism, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Tuesday announced that the state government will issue 10 lakh new ration cards under a transparent, technology-driven system based on the principle of ‘No Cash, No Farmaish’.
Applications for new ration cards and inclusion of new family members will begin from July 22, with priority being given to vulnerable sections of society. Of the total beneficiaries, 7 lakh ration cards will be issued to newly eligible families, while 3 lakh e-Shram and migrant workers will be brought under the National Food Security Act (NFSA). Every new beneficiary will receive 5 kg of wheat along with the Meri Rasoi Nutrition Kit, further strengthening food and nutritional security across the state.
Addressing a press conference, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the Transparent Ration Card Inclusion Drive is being conducted on the twin principles of ‘No Cash, No Farmaish’. “Punjab is adding 10 lakh new eligible beneficiaries to the ration card system, making this one of the largest food security inclusion drives in recent years. Of these, around 3 lakh e-Shram and migrant workers will be covered under the National Food Security Act, while another 7 lakh eligible beneficiaries will be brought under the scheme through fresh applications and inclusion of new members in existing ration cards,” he said.
The Chief Minister said that the state government has ensured that the process remains free from corruption and political influence. “Everyone knows that government jobs in Punjab are no longer given on the basis of cash or recommendations. Likewise, ration cards will no longer depend on recommendations, middlemen or bribes. Every applicant will be assessed through the same transparent and digital process, ensuring that every deserving family gets a fair opportunity,” he said.
The Chief Minister said that the application process has been made simple and citizen-friendly. “People can apply online, at Seva Kendras, Common Service Centres (CSCs) or District Food Offices. Every applicant will receive an SMS acknowledgement and will be able to track the status of the application. The application link is also available on the homepage of the Food Department’s website,” said CM Bhagwant Singh Mann.
The Chief Minister said that the entire system has been overhauled to ensure complete transparency in the issuance of ration cards. “Earlier, manual verification and discretionary decision-making often resulted in corruption and genuine beneficiaries being left out. Now, digital verification, online tracking, a points-based assessment system and complete transparency will ensure that only deserving families are included,” he affirmed.
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “Technology will play a key role in ensuring accountability. Every application will undergo physical household verification, geo-tagged and time-stamped inspections, along with API-based verification through government databases. Every approval or rejection will have a complete digital audit trail, making the entire process transparent and accountable.”
The Chief Minister said that the state government has adopted an objective system to prioritise the most vulnerable sections of society. “Eligible applicants will be prioritised through a transparent points-based system. Greater weightage will be given to widows, persons with disabilities, senior citizens, families living below the poverty line, families with serious illnesses, poor housing conditions and low incomes,” said CM Bhagwant Singh Mann.
The Chief Minister said that the initiative will strengthen both food security and nutrition for beneficiaries. “Every newly eligible beneficiary will receive 5 kg of wheat along with the Meri Rasoi Nutrition Kit. As many as 32 lakh families are already benefiting under the Meri Rasoi Scheme. Our commitment is simple: every deserving family should receive its rightful entitlement without paying money or seeking recommendations,” he said.
Taking a dig at previous governments, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated that the welfare system had earlier been driven by political patronage instead of public interest. “Previous governments issued ration cards only to their own supporters. Our government has replaced favouritism with transparency. Technology will ensure that welfare reaches the right people fairly, honestly and without discrimination,” said CM Bhagwant Singh Mann.
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*LED BY CM PUNJAB CABINET GIVES NOD TO CONVENE 13TH SESSION OF PUNJAB VIDHAN SABHA FROM AUGUST 3-10*
Chandigarh, July 21-The Punjab Cabinet led by the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Tuesday gave approval for summoning of the 13th Session of 16th Punjab Vidhan Sabha from August 3rd to August 10th.
A decision to this effect was taken by the Council of Ministers in its meeting held under the chairmanship of the Chief Minister here today.
Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office said that the 12th session of the 16th Punjab Vidhan Sabha had concluded on May 1, 2026. According to clause (1) of Article 174 of the Constitution of India, the Governor is authorized to summon the State Legislature to meet at such time and place, as he thinks fit. So the Cabinet has recommended the convening of 13th Session of 16th Punjab Vidhan Sabha from August 3-10.
GIVES NOD TO AMEND PUNJAB POLICE RULES, 1934 FOR DOING AWAY WITH DIRECT RECRUITMENT AT SI RANK
In another significant decision, the Cabinet also gave nod to amend Punjab Police Rules, 1934 for doing away with direct recruitment at Sub Inspector (SI) rank in Punjab Police. It was also decided that direct recruitment will take place at ASI rank for 30% in District, Intelligence, Investigation and TSS cadres, and 10% in the Armed Cadre. Earlier Sub-Inspectors were recruited by way of Direct recruitment upto 50% of the Posts. Pertinently, ASIs, are the IOs of most cases and are the backbone of investigation so direct recruitment at ASI rank will bring fresh, highly educated talent as IOs to the Police Station.
NOD FOR CONSTITUTING A CABINET SUB COMMITTEE FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF VB-G RAM G SCHEME
In a major pro-people initiative, the Cabinet also gave nod for constituting a Cabinet Sub Committee for Implementation of Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Scheme in Punjab from July 1, 2026 under the provisions of the Viksit Bharat - Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025. The Rural Development Department has been authorized to issue the Scheme Notification and operational guidelines from time to time. The VB-G RAM G Scheme will be implemented as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme in Punjab. The cost sharing pattern is 60:40 between the Central and State Governments.
APPROVAL TO SET UP INTEGRATED INNOVATION AND STARTUP CENTRE AT KALKAT BHAWAN
In another initiative aimed at giving impetus to the industry, the Cabinet also gave nod for establishment of "Integrated Innovation and Startup Centre". Based on the Korea's Pangyo Techno Valley model, which integrates incubation, research, startup acceleration and industry collaboration under one ecosystem, an Integrated Innovation and Startup Centre will be established at Kalkat Bhawan, Mohali. This centre will cater to Agri tech Start-ups, and Startups in other sectors.
GIVES NOD TO EXTEND TIME FOR ALLOWING DESILTING RIVERS AND DRAINS
The Cabinet also gave nod to extend time for allowing desilting rivers and drains by the NHAI for utilization of excavated material for National Highway projects. The Cabinet had earlier taken this decision to allow NHAI but the implementation, desilting operations were adversely affected due to delayed operationalization of sites, forest clearance issues, local issues and others. As substantial quantities of recoverable material are still available at approved desilting sites and are required for ongoing National Highway projects in the State, so Cabinet has accorded its consent in larger public interest.
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*Modi Govt Is Trying to Silence Youth Demanding Justice in Paper Leak Cases Through Lathi-Charge: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*AAP Stands Firmly With Youth & Will Continue to Raise Its Voice for Rights of Youth & Farmers: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*Punjab Govt Will Not Back Down From Its Decision to Regulate Private School Fees:CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*For First Time, Record 881 Students From Punjab Govt Schools Have Qualified the NEET Examination in 2026:CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*Education Is Service, Not Business; Punjab Govt Will Not Allow Commercial Exploitation of Students: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
CHANDIGARH; 21st July 2026:Extending full support to the youth protesting in the national capital, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Tuesday said that the BJP-led Central Government is attempting to suppress the voices of young people by resorting to baton charges against those demanding accountability in the paper leak cases.
During a press conference,CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “The country’s youth aspire to transform their future through education, but repeated incidents of examination paper leaks are shattering their dreams. While the Prime Minister projects himself as a ‘Vishwaguru’ (global leader), he has failed to acknowledge that the future of India’s youth is being jeopardized within the country itself. Instead of ensuring justice, the Central Government has chosen to respond with baton charges whenever young people raise their voices against these injustices.”
The Chief Minister noted, “The nation has witnessed examination paper leaks in 2017, 2019, 2022, 2024 and now once again in 2026. However, instead of fixing accountability, the Central Government continues to shield those responsible for this mess. The Prime Minister teaches students how to prepare for examinations, but he has never taught the institutions under his government how to conduct examinations with transparency, fairness and security
“The national leadership of the AAP stands firmly with the youth and will continue to raise its voice for their rights. Equally unfortunate is the Haryana Government’s decision to stop farmers from travelling to the national capital to participate in a rally against the proposed India-US Trade Agreement. I urge both the Central and Haryana Governments not to obstruct farmers through such arbitrary actions. The Haryana Government must refrain from repeating past mistakes and instead allow farmers to proceed peacefully to the national capital,” said the Chief Minister.
The Chief Minister affirmed, “Every citizen in a democracy has the right to express his or her views. It is surprising that Prime Minister Narendra Modi neither engages in dialogue nor addresses the media through press conferences. Apprehensions regarding the proposed India-US Trade Agreement are growing among farmers, and the Prime Minister must initiate meaningful dialogue with them.”
Replying to a question regarding the legal challenge by private school associations against the Punjab Government’s ordinance regulating private school fees, the Chief Minister said, “Approaching the courts is their legal right, but the Punjab Government will not retreat from its decision.”
“The tragic suicide of a student from a private school in Amritsar deeply shook society, especially when the girl had secured 90% marks. Education is a service, not a business, and the Punjab Government will not allow profiteering in the education sector at the cost of students’ lives. The fee regulation ordinance is a historic step towards curbing commercial exploitation in education and ensuring that private schools function in the interest of students and parents rather than profit,” said CM Bhagwant Singh Mann.
“Education is a noble and sacred mission. It is a public good, not a commercial enterprise driven by profit. Ensuring access to quality education for every student in Punjab remains our government’s foremost priority. The outstanding academic performance of Punjab Government schools is now being recognised across the country, reflecting the growing public confidence in them,” he said.
The Chief Minister pointed out, “While only 80 students from Punjab Government schools qualified the NEET examination in 2021, the number has risen to a record 881 students in 2026. Punjab also pioneered the concept of Parent-Teacher Meetings in government schools, with nearly 24 lakh parents participating. Around 20,000 government school students, including 12,000 girls, are being provided free bus transportation by the state government.”
He asserted, “The trust of the people in Punjab Government schools is steadily increasing, and we will continue strengthening their infrastructure and improving the quality of education.”
Taking potshots at the Akali Dal, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann asserted, “As far as the Shiromani Akali Dal is concerned, it has already lost its political relevance in Punjab. After winning only three seats in the last Assembly elections, it will fail to win even a single seat in the forthcoming Punjab Assembly elections.”