(Chd,Pb)Capt Rolls Out Smart Ration Card Scheme for Punjab
Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Saturday rolled out a smart ration card scheme for providing subsidised foodgrains to 1.41 crore beneficiaries in the state.
He also announced a separate state-funded scheme to provide subsidised rations to nine lakh beneficiaries not covered under the National Food Security Act (NFSA).
The CM said the Centre has capped the maximum number of beneficiaries to 1.41 crore and, despite repeated requests, has not agreed to provide subsidised rations to the deserving nine lakh people not covered under the NFSA.
His government has therefore decided to cover all such left out eligible persons under a state-funded scheme, details of which will be announced shortly, he said.
The CM lashed out at the BJP-led central government for attempting to destroy through three farm ordinances the spirit of Punjab’s farmers, who, he said, have toiled for the country and fed the nation.
In a symbolic gesture, the CM handed over the smart ration cards to four beneficiaries here, after which all ministers and MLAs distributed cards in their respective districts and constituencies
The Smart cards will enable the beneficiaries to take ration from any shop, thus ending the monopoly of the ration depots.
One card will suffice for the entire family