Punjab CM Launches 'Meri Rasoi' Scheme: Free Groceries Announced Ahead of State Elections

The Punjab Cabinet met today (February 23). Following this, CM Bhagwant Mann held a briefing. During the meeting, he announced the launch of the "Meri Rasoi" scheme. This scheme will benefit 4 million families in the state. Under this program, the government will prepare a food kit, which will be distributed to blue card holders.

This kit will include wheat, 2 kg of urad-gram dal, 2 kg of sugar, 1 kg of iodized salt, 200 grams of turmeric powder, and one liter of mustard oil. During this meeting, CM Mann also announced the budget session. He stated that the budget session will begin on March 6 and will continue until March 16.

Punjab's excise policy has been approved. Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said that when the government was formed in 2022-23, Punjab received only 6,200 crore rupees in revenue. This has now increased to 11,200 crore rupees. No installment was delayed throughout the year. Now, by increasing revenue, the target has been set at 12,800 crore rupees.

He said that with a 6.5 percent contribution, they will be able to renew their groups. For the first time, there were no malt rules. They will be able to set up single malt production units. Previously, bottling was the norm. Liquor will not become more expensive. We have increased the quota for country liquor by three percent.

The CM said these things in the briefing regarding the scheme…

Punjab made the country self-reliant: In a briefing after the cabinet meeting, CM Bhagwant said, "You have been called for a very important information. Punjab and Punjabis are known for replenishing the country's grain reserves. Whenever there is a food crisis in the country, Punjab is the first to come forward. Historically, Punjab made the country self-reliant through the Green Revolution."

The "Meri Rasoi" scheme will impact 4 million families: CM Mann said, "The Punjab government has launched many schemes, including facilities like electricity, water, and education. I am giving a guarantee, which is not written, but which becomes clear to the people." This will impact 4 million families. This scheme is called "Meri Rasoi."
A scheme to make food nutritious: He said, "Under this scheme, people will continue to receive wheat through public distribution. Now, we are launching a scheme to make food more nutritious so that children in families can access nutritious food and avoid malnutrition."
Benefits for Blue Card Holders: The CM said, "A food kit will be prepared for 4 million families, which will be distributed to blue card holders. Along with wheat, the kit will include 2 kg of black gram and gram dal, 2 kg of sugar, 1 kg of iodized salt, 200 grams of turmeric powder, and a can of mustard oil."

Kits will be distributed every 3 months: He said, "We learned about malnutrition among children. This was revealed during health checkups in schools. Therefore, we are launching the 'Meri Rasoi' scheme. Kits will be distributed every 3 months. The first kits will be distributed for the months of April, May, and June." Grain will be provided after a quality check: CM Mann said, "The quality of this grain will also be checked. There will be no compromise on this matter. The oil we use in our kitchens will be provided in the kits. Just as the diet of athletes is the same as that of people, their health is the same."

Budget from March 6th, extended dates may also be possible

In addition, CM Mann announced the budget session. He stated that the budget session will be held from March 6th to March 16th. If the session's duration needs to be extended, it will be extended. All aspects have been accounted for in the budget. The budget will be pro-people.

The date for presenting the budget has been set for March 8th. That day is a Sunday. Regarding this, CM Mann said, "If PM Modi can open Parliament, why can't we?" He also noted that that day is International Women's Day.

These decisions were taken in the cabinet meeting...

One-Time Settlement Scheme Extended: Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said that a one-time settlement scheme was introduced for the Punjab Small Industries and Export Corporation (PSIC). The deadline for this scheme was February 13, 2025. It has now been extended to June 30, 2026, which will benefit the industry.
People in three districts will receive flood compensation: Punjab suffered significant losses due to floods. 5,200 acres of land in Ferozepur, 3,000 acres in Fazilka, and 2,800 acres in Amritsar are owned by the government. However, farmers have been cultivating these areas for a long time. Numerous cases were filed in court. The 2015 land survey was conducted in the state's name. Distributing compensation during the floods posed difficulties. It was decided in the meeting that these farmers would receive compensation. A committee would be formed for this purpose. The Sarpanch, Panch, or Patwari will determine whether a person is engaged in farming. This compensation will go to that person.
Volunteers of the Covid period will get special exemption: During Covid, many volunteers who had passed para nursing or para medical courses, served as volunteers. They served at a time when people were not performing the last rites of their loved ones. Those who worked at that time, whose tenure was less than one year, have been given five marks and those who worked for more than one year, have been given ten marks. When the posts become vacant, they will be given special exemption.
Approval for 361 posts of nursing staff: Along with this, approval was given to fill 361 posts of Group C nursing staff. Two posts of Economic Policy and Planning Board will be filled in the Punjab Planning Department. So that policies can be implemented properly in Punjab. Earlier there were three posts.