Punjab Public Works Minister S. Harbhajan Singh E.T.O. today interacted with residents during the Lok Milni programme held at villages Bhagwansar and Dheerekot in the Jandiala Guru Assembly constituency. He listened to public grievances and directed the concerned officials to ensure their prompt resolution.
On the occasion, he also shared information about various welfare schemes being implemented by the Punjab Government for the benefit of the people.The Cabinet Minister said that under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government is fully committed to ensuring that every eligible and deserving family receives the benefits of government welfare schemes.
He reiterated that no deserving family should be deprived of its rightful entitlements.He informed that under the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013 and the Smart Ration Card Scheme, applications for issuing new ration cards and adding eligible members to existing ration cards will be accepted from July 22 to August 11, 2026.
He said that the entire drive is being conducted through a transparent, digital and corruption-free system, ensuring that every eligible family receives its due benefits without any recommendation or bribery.S. Harbhajan Singh E.T.O. further stated that out of the proposed 10 lakh new ration cards, 7 lakh will be issued to eligible families, while 3 lakh e-Shram registered and migrant workers will also be brought under the ambit of the National Food Security Act. This initiative, he said, will extend food security benefits to a larger number of needy families.
The Minister said that the application process has been simplified for the convenience of applicants. Eligible beneficiaries can submit their applications through Sewa Kendras, Common Service Centres (CSCs), the offices of the District Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department, or the online portal. Every applicant will receive an SMS acknowledgement after submission and will also be able to track the status of their application online.
He added that the verification process will include digital verification, geo-tagging, time-stamping and online cross-verification through government databases to eliminate fake ration cards and ensure that only genuine beneficiaries receive the benefits under the scheme.
The Minister further said that priority will be given to widows, persons with disabilities, senior citizens, Below Poverty Line (BPL) families, families suffering from serious illnesses, those living in kutcha houses, and low-income households. He added that every newly eligible beneficiary will also receive the ‘Meri Rasoi Poshtik Kit’ along with 5 kilograms of wheat.
Appealing to all eligible families, S. Harbhajan Singh E.T.O. urged them to submit their applications before August 11, 2026, and avail themselves of the benefits of this welfare initiative of the Punjab Government. He said that under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Government is committed to ensuring that no deserving family is deprived of its rights and that government benefits reach every needy person with complete transparency.
On the occasion, hundreds of families from villages Bhagwansar and Dheerekot, impressed by the pro-people policies of the Aam Aadmi Party, joined the party. Welcoming them, the Public Works Minister said that their support would further strengthen the collective efforts towards building a prosperous and vibrant Punjab.