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Punjab's 'Meri Rasoi' Scheme to Feed 40 Lakh with Nutritious Ration Kits

The AAP government in Punjab has launched the 'Meri Rasoi' scheme to provide monthly nutritious food kits to 40 lakh blue card holders starting in April. The scheme, with a Rs 1,000 crore budget, will distribute items like dal, sugar, mustard oil, and spices alongside existing wheat rations. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann emphasized the initiative addresses child undernourishment and ensures wholesome meals for citizens. The announcement comes ahead of the 2027 state elections, with the budget session scheduled to begin on March 6.

Key Points: Punjab 'Meri Rasoi' Scheme: Free Food for 40 Lakh from April

  • Nutritious food kits for 40 lakh people
  • Rs 1000 crore budget outlay
  • Distribution starts from April 2024
  • Includes dal, oil, sugar, salt
  • Part of pre-2027 election welfare push
2 min read

AAP govt in Punjab announces 'Meri Rasoi' scheme for nutritious food to 40 lakh people

Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann announces Rs 1000 cr 'Meri Rasoi' to provide dal, oil, sugar to 40 lakh blue card holders, starting April.

"Our children are undernourished... it is our duty to ensure that every citizen gets wholesome meals. - Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann"

Chandigarh, Feb 23

Ahead of the assembly elections slated for early 2027, the Aam Aadmi Party government in Punjab on Monday announced the "Meri Rasoi" scheme to provide nutritious food to 40 lakh blue card holders in the state from April.

This was announced by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann after a meeting of the Council of Ministers here.

"Meri Rasoi" will ensure that all blue card holders will get 2 kg dal, 2 kg sugar, 1 kg iodised salt, 200 grams haldi, and 1 litre of mustard oil, along with the free wheat they are getting each month.

"The families will be provided the ration kit for three months from April," the Chief Minister said.

Officials said the "Meri Rasoi" scheme has a budget outlay of Rs 1,000 crore.

While the kits will be prepared by state-run Markfed, the Food and Supplies Department will distribute them among the beneficiaries.

From April onwards, each cardholder under the National Food Security Act or Smart Ration Card Scheme will get a separate bag containing the food items. The beneficiaries are eligible for 15 kg of wheat every month. The wheat is given quarterly in a 45-kg bag.

CM Mann said it was ironic that Punjab has been feeding millions of people in the country, but many families in the state get just one meal a day.

"Our children are undernourished and suffer from iron deficiency. The meals they get are not rich in protein. As a welfare government, it is our duty to ensure that every citizen in the state gets wholesome meals," he said.

Meanwhile, the Cabinet decided to hold the Budget session from March 6 to 16, and the Budget will be presented on International Women's Day, March 8, which falls on a Sunday.

"If Prime Minister Narendra Modi can get a Parliament session convened on a Sunday, why can't we? We can also table our budget on Sunday," Mann said.

The Chief Minister also said that investigations were underway into the killings of two security personnel at a border checkpoint in Gurdaspur on Sunday.

Assistant Sub-Inspector Gurnam Singh and home guard Ashok Kumar were found dead close to the Pakistan border.

On the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) revision, CM Mann said the government would give full cooperation to the Election Commission. "But we will oppose any move to delete the voters," he said.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Announcing this just before the budget session and with elections on the horizon... feels very much like a political move. Where was this scheme for the last two years? Implementation is key, not just announcements. Let's see if the kits actually reach 40 lakh people without corruption.
G
Gaurav U
As a Punjabi living in Delhi, I'm happy to see my home state taking steps for nutrition. The CM is right – it's ironic that the "food bowl of India" has hungry children. But sir, please also focus on the border security issue mentioned at the end. Those deaths are worrying. Jai Hind.
S
Sarah B
Providing mustard oil, dal, and spices is a culturally thoughtful way to address nutrition. It shows an understanding of what a balanced Indian meal requires, beyond just wheat. A positive step for public health if executed well.
M
Manish T
1000 crore is a huge amount of taxpayer money. While the goal is noble, I hope there is a robust audit mechanism. We've seen so many schemes fail due to leakages. The government must ensure every rupee benefits the intended blue card holder.
A
Anjali F
Including iodised salt and haldi shows they are thinking about immunity and health, not just filling stomachs. This is a good model for other states. My only request: please ensure the mustard oil is of good quality. Cheap oil does more harm than good.

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