Punjab’s MERI RASOI Ration kit distribution crosses 25 lakh beneficiaries

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Chandigarh, July 10

The Punjab Government has intensified its flagship MERI RASOI ration kit distribution programme, with nearly 25.03 lakh families benefiting under the initiative aimed at strengthening food and nutritional security for vulnerable households across the state. The programme seeks to cover 40.48 lakh eligible families across Punjab every quarter, with ration kits distributed once every three months.

The officials said that as per the directions of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak, the distribution is being carried out on a mission mode across the state.

Each eligible family receives one ration kit designed to meet essential household dietary requirements. The kit contains 2 kg of lentils, 2 kg of sugar, 1 kg of salt, 200 grams of turmeric powder, and 1 litre of mustard oil for monthly consumption.

These kits are provided in addition to the wheat already distributed to eligible beneficiaries under the National Food Security Act, 2013.

The ration kits are assembled by Markfed, while the Department of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs oversees the statewide distribution network.

Among all districts, Ludhiana has recorded the highest distribution with 271,433 ration kits, followed by Patiala with 183,694 and Bathinda with 152,020. Amritsar ranks fourth with 144,082 kits, Sangrur fifth with 142,444, and Fazilka sixth with 139,759.

Other districts include Jalandhar with 134,960 ration kits, Sri Muktsar Sahib with 130,362, Tarn Taran with 128,228, Hoshiarpur with 110,962, Ferozepur with 104,069, Gurdaspur with 102,695, Mansa with 88,914, Moga with 87,984, Fatehgarh Sahib with 80,305, Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar with 75,637, Faridkot with 71,896, Kapurthala with 71,785, Pathankot with 70,037, Barnala with 64,950, Roopnagar with 56,492, Malerkotla with 47,806, and Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar with 42,737 ration kits distributed.

The initiative aims to supplement staple grains with essential sources of protein, cooking oil and spices, thereby improving the nutritional intake of families covered under the scheme.

Authorities said the distribution process is being closely monitored to ensure transparency, prevent duplication and guarantee last-mile delivery. District administrations, the Department of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, and local officials are coordinating to ensure effective implementation of the programme.

The state government said the scheme reflects its commitment to ensuring that no eligible family is deprived of food security. By complementing the existing wheat distribution under the National Food Security Act with additional ration kits, the initiative seeks to address both hunger and nutritional needs.