Manpreet Singh Badal Inaugurates Smart Ration Card Scheme In Bathinda

Bathinda : Finance minister Punjab Manpreet Singh Badal today inaugurated Smart Ration Card scheme in Bathinda. The scheme has been launched across Punjab through video-conferencing, which was chaired by Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh.While elaborating the new public distribution scheme’s details, Mr. Manpreet Singh Badal said that new ration smart card would enable the beneficiary to get subsidised ration from any depot across Punjab. He added that as the smart card is accessible with bio-metric POS machines, it would enhance the system’s transparency, and only eligible people would get benefits. He added that it would resolve the problems of people who often travel to other districts for seasonal employment.Mr. Badal said that 1.41 lakh members of 37.5 lakh families had been covered under this scheme.Due to the Union Government’s denial, the Punjab government will bear all the expenses to extend the benefits to 9 lakh more eligible people. The Finance Minister added that it will impose an additional burden of Rs 180 crore on the state government. However, this is the need of the hour to ensure adequate food grains to every needy household in Punjab.The Finance Minister also distributed smart ration cards to 23 families at the inaugural ceremony. He also distributed cheques for development and beautification works in the city.On the occasion, SSP Bhupinderjit Singh Virk, ADC Rajdeep Singh Brar, DFSC Jaspreet Singh Kahlon, senior leader Jaijit Singh Johal, Chairman KK Aggarwal, Chairman Jagroop Singh, and several others were also present.