Big Relief for Punjab’s Ration Cardholders: Major Change on the Way!

Chandigarh (The Uttam Hindu): A major change in Punjab’s ration distribution system will soon provide relief to the state's ration cardholders. The Punjab government is working on a new initiative where people benefiting from the National Food Security Act will no longer need traditional ration cards. Instead, they will receive rations through smart cards.

The Food and Supplies Department is in the process of appointing an agency to handle the manufacturing and delivery of 40 lakh smart cards. After the agency is chosen, the production of the cards will begin. The department aims to complete 33% of the cards within six weeks with the remaining 66% finished in the following two months. This change will simplify the process of ration distribution. Once the POS machines are used the beneficiary’s details will instantly appear, ensuring the timely delivery of rations. The department has also planned the deployment of 14,400 POS machines to facilitate the process.

This new system will not only strengthen the public distribution system but also help eliminate fake beneficiaries, thanks to real-time data updates. Punjab currently has 14,000 depot holders and each family receives 5 kg of wheat per month. For a family of four, this would amount to 60 kg of wheat every three months. With the introduction of smart cards, ration cards will no longer be necessary, streamlining the distribution process for both the government and the public.