Punjab Newsline | Chandigarh
Punjab Assembly's Monsoon Session will be held from August 3 to August 10, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann announced during a press conference on Tuesday. He said several ordinances would be introduced during the session, adding that the duration could be extended if required.
Highlighting the government's welfare agenda, Mann said Punjab had taken a historic decision to ensure food security for every family. Around 10 lakh new ration cards are being issued, allowing eligible families to add missing members and receive 5 kg of wheat per person under the public distribution system.
Priority under the ration card drive will be given to widows, persons with disabilities, seriously ill individuals, and families living in kutcha houses. Of the 10 lakh new cards, nearly 7 lakh beneficiaries are already being processed, while another 3 lakh registered workers on the e-Shram portal will also receive cards in compliance with Supreme Court directions. Applicants can complete the process through Seva Kendras or District Food Controller (DFC) offices, with verification carried out digitally and acknowledgements sent via SMS.
Chief Minister said the state's "Meri Rasoi" scheme, which provides essentials such as mustard oil, turmeric, and salt, will continue. Of Punjab's 40 lakh families, around 32 lakh are already covered, while the remaining 8 lakh families are expected to be included this month. A dedicated online portal has also been launched for self-registration, with Mann emphasizing that no recommendations or favoritism will be accepted.
Mann also reviewed the "Mawan Dhiyan Satkar Yojana," stating that financial assistance had already been transferred to 32 lakh women on July 1. Another 37 lakh women have registered this month and are scheduled to receive payments on August 1, including arrears from July.
On the ongoing farmers' agitation, the Chief Minister urged the Haryana Government and the Central Government to allow farmers to proceed to the Shambhu border without restrictions. He appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to hold direct talks with farmer leaders and address their concerns, including issues related to the India–US trade deal, saying dialogue was the best way to resolve differences.
