Mohali, 16 July (H.S.): Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Thursday handed over licences to 2,800 newly selected ration depot holders, describing the initiative as a major step towards strengthening the state’s public distribution system and bringing essential food supplies closer to people’s homes.

Addressing a programme at Vikas Bhawan in Mohali, the Chief Minister said the opening of new depots would benefit nearly 5.5 lakh ration card holders, who would no longer need to travel long distances, miss work or wait in lengthy queues to collect their monthly ration.

Mann said the licences had been allotted through a transparent interview-based selection process, replacing the earlier practice of granting depots on political recommendations. Representation had been ensured for various sections of society, including Scheduled Castes, Other Backward Classes, ex-servicemen, freedom fighters’ families, persons with disabilities and riot-affected families.

Of the 2,800 licences, 633 were allotted to Scheduled Caste applicants, 199 to OBC applicants, 181 to ex-servicemen, 39 to families of freedom fighters, 156 to persons with disabilities and 17 to riot-affected families.

Congratulating the newly appointed depot holders, Mann said the licences had created livelihood opportunities for thousands of families while allowing them to serve society. He urged them to treat beneficiaries with honesty, fairness and compassion, particularly elderly people, persons with disabilities and economically weaker families.

“This is not merely a licence but a sacred responsibility. Depot holders will serve as an important bridge between the government and the people,” he said.

Highlighting his government’s commitment to food security, Mann said free wheat and ‘Meri Rasoi’ ration kits were being supplied to around 40 lakh families under the Smart Ration Card Scheme. He added that the government aimed to establish ration depots in every village and city to ensure easy access to essential supplies.

The Chief Minister also reiterated that more than 90 per cent of households in Punjab were receiving free electricity, while farmers were being provided uninterrupted daytime power for agricultural operations.

During his address, Mann criticised the opposition parties, including the Shiromani Akali Dal, Congress and BJP, accusing them of launching politically motivated campaigns against his government. He alleged that previous governments had harmed Punjab through corruption, favouritism and patronage of the drug trade.

Mann said every rupee from the state exchequer was being spent carefully on public welfare. Cabinet Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak and several other dignitaries were present at the event.

Hindusthan Samachar / GURSHARAN SINGH