Punjab Cabinet Minister Harpal Singh Cheema today launched the distribution of 30,000 digital ration cards in the Dirba Assembly constituency during a function held at Atwal Palace. Addressing the gathering, the Cabinet Minister said that the introduction of digital ration cards marks an important step towards ensuring greater transparency, efficiency, and ease in the delivery of government services and welfare schemes.
He assured beneficiaries that their existing ration cards would continue to remain valid until they receive their new digital cards. On the occasion, Harpal Singh Cheema ceremonially handed over digital ration cards to several beneficiaries, while the remaining cards were entrusted to village panches and sarpanches to ensure their timely distribution among all eligible families.
Highlighting the Punjab Government’s welfare initiatives, the Cabinet Minister said that under the ‘Meri Rasoi’ scheme, nearly 40 lakh poor and economically weaker families across the state are being provided with specially prepared ration kits aimed at ensuring access to nutritious food. He said that while previous governments had restricted welfare assistance to the distribution of wheat and pulses, the present government has adopted a more comprehensive approach by ensuring that the kitchens of needy families are stocked with essential items required for daily use.
Under the ‘Meri Rasoi’ scheme, each beneficiary family receives a ration kit every three months containing mustard oil, pulses, sugar, salt, turmeric, and other essential kitchen items. The scheme has been designed keeping in mind the everyday needs of ordinary households, particularly women managing household responsibilities.
He said a strong and prosperous Punjab can be built only when every household has access to adequate food and no child goes to sleep hungry. The Punjab Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, is committed to ensuring that every household receives nutritious and essential food items so that children do not suffer from malnutrition or dietary deficiencies.
Through transparent delivery mechanisms, quality food kits, and extensive outreach to economically weaker sections, the Punjab Government has reaffirmed its commitment to building a healthier, stronger, and well-nourished Punjab. The Cabinet Minister further assured that anyone facing any difficulty in obtaining the new digital ration cards may contact him directly, adding that every issue would be addressed promptly and no beneficiary would be allowed to face inconvenience.
Among those present on the occasion were Tapinder Singh Sohi, OSD to Cabinet Minister Harpal Singh Cheema; Pritam Singh Peetu, Chairman of Sangrur Improvement Trust; Jasvir Kaur Shergill, Chairperson of Market Committee Dirba; Harvinder Singh Chhajli, Chairman of Market Committee Sular Gharat; Tarsem Chand, SDM Dirba; Dr. Rupinder Kaur, DSP Dirba; officials of various departments, sarpanches, panches, and other distinguished guests.This version is edited in a formal government press-release style with improved flow, clarity, and media-friendly language.