Mann hands over licenses to 2,800 new ration depot holders in Punjab

Mohali, Jul 16 (PTI) Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Thursday handed over licences to 2,800 new ration depot holders and said this will ensure that ration reaches closer to people's homes across the state. The move will benefit nearly 5.5 lakh ration card holders, and the government has allotted the new depots through an interview-based selection process while ensuring representation for all sections of society, officials said. Addressing a gathering here, Mann said the opening of new ration depots will spare nearly 5.5 lakh ration card holders from travelling long distances or leaving work to stand in long queues for their monthly ration. He said the government has also ensured equitable representation of all sections of society while issuing licences to the new ration depot holders. "The allotment has been made in a fair and transparent manner while ensuring representation for every section of society. Out of the 2,800 new licences, 633 have been allotted to Scheduled Castes, 199 to Other Backward Classes, 181 to ex-servicemen, 39 to the families of freedom fighters, 156 to persons with disabilities and 17 to riot-affected families," he said. Mann said that under the Smart Ration Card Scheme, the state government is providing free wheat and 'Meri Rasoi' ration kits to 40 lakh families across Punjab. "The earlier governments distributed ration depot licences on the basis of political recommendations. We have ended that practice by introducing an interview-based selection system to eliminate favouritism and ensure complete transparency," he said. Targeting the Congress, Mann said it was deeply divided, and it lacks any vision for Punjab. He accused the Congress leaders of fighting over a chair. "One day they project one leader, the next day another. Their politics revolves only around the chair. One of their own leaders has publicly admitted that it costs Rs 500 crore to become the chief minister in their party. The obvious question is, where will such money come from?" he asked. Mann said such money ultimately comes from the pockets of ordinary people, adversely affecting welfare-oriented governance. "The money will be recovered from the people. When politics becomes so expensive, it is public welfare that suffers the most," he said. Taking potshots at Akali Dal chief Sukhbir Singh Badal, the chief minister said he remains "disconnected" from the realities of Punjab. "Sukhbir Singh Badal has spent his entire life surrounded by privilege and luxury. He is unfamiliar with the ground realities of Punjab but still seeks to lead the state. Despite remaining in public life for years, the former deputy chief minister lacks even basic understanding of Punjab's geography and agriculture," he alleged. Mann said that attempts are now being made to defame him through politically motivated campaigns. PTI CHS PRK