Punjab MLAs claim eligible beneficiaries denied ration benefits

In Punjab, some eligible beneficiaries are not receiving their ration benefits, while ineligible individuals continue to access them. This issue was raised by two Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLAs during a recent assembly session. AAP MLAs Gurpreet Singh Banawali and Dalbir Singh highlighted concerns about newly married girls and newborns being left out of ration card registrations. They stressed the need for these groups to be included in the subsidized food program. Punjab’s food minister, Lal Chand Kataruchak, responded by clarifying that the state has surpassed the limit set by the central government for ration beneficiaries. The National Food Security Act caps the number of beneficiaries at 1.41 crore, but Punjab has exceeded this limit by about 18 lakh, based on the 2011 census. The minister explained that newly married girls can register under the Smart Ration Card Scheme after removing their names from their previous cards. However, no new names can be added for now due to the exceeded limit. Kataruchak added that the central government is conducting an e-KYC process to verify beneficiaries, which is expected to be completed by March 31. In other assembly discussions, Tourism Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond mentioned plans to potentially develop Bathinda's lakes as a tourism hub. He indicated that if local authorities submit a proposal, the government will consider it seriously. Assembly Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan emphasized the beauty of Punjab, urging for a comprehensive tourism plan. Additionally, local government minister Dr. Ravjot Singh addressed a question concerning the inclusion of certain gram panchayats in the Amritsar municipal corporation, noting that proper procedures need to be followed.