Chandigarh: Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann on Thursday handed over licences to 2,800 new ration depot holders, saying the move would benefit nearly 5.5 lakh ration card holders by bringing ration distribution closer to their homes.Addressing the newly appointed depot holders at Vikas Bhawan in Mohali, Mann said the additional depots would spare beneficiaries from travelling long distances or missing work to collect their monthly ration, while strengthening the state’s public distribution system.Claiming the allotment process was transparent, Mann said the licences were distributed with representation across social groups. Of the 2,800 licences, 633 were allotted to scheduled castes, 199 to other backward classes, 181 to ex-servicemen, 39 to families of freedom fighters, 156 to persons with disabilities and 17 to riot-affected families.Mann said the state was providing free wheat and Meri Rasoi ration kits to 40 lakh families under the Smart Ration Card Scheme. Alleging that previous governments allotted depot licences on political recommendations, he said the AAP govt had introduced an interview-based selection process to eliminate favouritism.He said the government’s long-term goal was to establish ration depots in every village and urban locality so that essential commodities are available close to people’s homes.Mann targets Cong, SAD and SGPC Taking on the Congress, Mann alleged the party was consumed by “internal power struggles” and claimed one of its leaders had admitted it costs Rs 500 crore to become chief minister.He also accused SAD chief Sukhbir Singh Badal of being “disconnected” from Punjab’s realities and alleged the Akali leadership had patronised the drug menace.Questioning the SGPC over posters calling for his boycott, Mann asked why similar posters were not put up against the Akali leadership after it admitted mistakes before Sri Akal Takht over sacrilege-related incidents.MSID:: 132442095 413 |
