Photo Source: Babushahi Bureau
Punjab Govt to provide free wheat, pulses, sugar, oil and turmeric, announces CM Mann
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, February 23, 2026: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Monday announced a new welfare initiative titled ‘Meri Rasoi’, aimed at strengthening food security and improving nutrition for economically weaker families across the state.
Addressing the media, the Chief Minister said that while wheat distribution under the Public Distribution System (PDS) will continue as before, eligible families will now also receive a special food kit containing essential kitchen items.
What is Included in the ‘Meri Rasoi’ Food Kit?
Under the scheme, beneficiaries will receive:
- 2 kg pulses (mixed lentils/chickpeas)
- 2 kg sugar
- 1 litre pure mustard oil
- 1 kg iodized salt
- 200 grams turmeric powder
Mann remarked that the kitchen stove is the “chartered accountant of every household,” as it reflects the true economic condition of a family.
“Guarantee does not merely mean a manifesto promise; it means understanding people’s needs on the ground. Wheat alone does not complete a kitchen — oil, turmeric and salt are equally essential. We have taken this step to make Punjab’s meals more nutritious,” he said.
40 lakh families to benefit
The scheme will directly benefit nearly 40 lakh families holding blue ration cards under the Atta-Dal scheme. The Chief Minister also assured that the quality of wheat supplied through PDS would be improved and that no substandard grain would be distributed.