Punjab Government's ambitious scheme ‘Ghar Ghar Ration' has commenced on February 10, 2024, marking a milestone in ensuring food security for all. The inauguration took place at Asia's largest grain market in Khanna, where Aam Aadmi Party convener Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann led the launch ceremony.
Under tight security, Kejriwal and Bhagwant Mann personally distributed ration to citizens and engaged in interactions with the community. One poignant moment arose when a petitioner appealed to the CM Mann for assistance with cancer treatment, prompting Mann to announce free treatment provisions in Sangrur. Both leaders encourage local girls to pursue government job opportunities upon completing their studies.
The ‘Ghar Ghar Ration Scheme' stands as a game-changer in the region's welfare landscape. Beneficiaries will now receive monthly ration allocations directly to their homes, eliminating the need for arduous queueing at ration shops. Participants will have the flexibility to choose between flour and grains, streamlining the distribution process.
To operationalise the scheme effectively, the Punjab government plans to recruit over 1500 youth as delivery agents, thereby creating employment opportunities and bolstering local economies. With approximately 38 lakh ration cardholders and 1 crore 46 lakh beneficiaries in Punjab, the initiative aims to reach every deserving household through the state's network of 20,500 government ration shops.
Delhi CM Kejriwal elucidated the scheme's purpose, highlighting decades of systemic inefficiencies in ration distribution. He emphasized that despite decades of government efforts, a significant portion of ration fails to reach intended recipients due to corruption and bureaucratic hurdles. The ‘Ghar Ghar Ration' initiative seeks to rectify these discrepancies and ensure equitable access to essential supplies.
Reflecting on historical challenges, Kejriwal underscored the persistence of ration theft despite successive administrations. However, he expressed optimism that the transparent and accountable governance ushered in by the new administration would curtail malpractices. The launch of the door-to-door ration scheme symbolizes a paradigm shift towards eradicating black market activities and enhancing citizens' welfare.
Kejriwal affirmed the government's commitment to facilitating seamless access to essential commodities, promising that the same quality of ration consumed by leaders would now be delivered to citizens' doorsteps every month, marking a significant stride towards inclusive governance and social justice.
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