The Aam Aadmi Party government in Punjab, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, has announced the expansion of its ‘Meri Rasoi’ scheme, aimed at strengthening food security for economically weaker households.
Key Highlights
- The initiative targets around 40 lakh blue card holder families across the state.
- Beneficiaries will receive nutritious food support in addition to wheat supplied under existing ration programs.
- The scheme promises quality ration items, indicating an effort to improve both quantity and nutritional value of distributed food grains.
Bhagwant Mann Objective
The state government says the program is designed to:
DON'T MISS
- Enhance nutritional intake among low-income households
- Strengthen the public distribution system
- Reduce food insecurity and malnutrition risks
The scheme is also being viewed as a targeted welfare intervention that builds upon the existing food subsidy architecture rather than replacing it. By supplementing wheat distribution with additional ration items, the government aims to address hidden hunger — a condition where caloric intake may be sufficient but essential nutrients such as proteins, vitamins, and minerals are lacking. Policy observers note that such nutrition-focused ration models have increasingly become part of state welfare strategies across India, especially in regions where malnutrition indicators remain a concern among low-income groups.
Administratively, the initiative will require coordination between food supply departments, local ration depots, and district authorities to ensure timely procurement, storage, and distribution of quality food items. Strengthening monitoring systems and transparency mechanisms will be crucial to prevent leakages and ensure that benefits reach intended households. Experts emphasize that successful implementation will depend not only on allocation of food supplies but also on last-mile delivery efficiency and beneficiary awareness.
Economically, the move may increase short-term fiscal expenditure for the state, but welfare economists often argue that improved nutrition contributes to long-term gains such as better public health outcomes, higher productivity, and reduced healthcare burden. If implemented effectively, such schemes can act as social investment programs rather than mere subsidies, especially when they target vulnerable populations like daily wage earners, rural poor, and urban informal workers.
Governance Focus
Officials describe the scheme as part of the administration’s broader welfare push to ensure that subsidized ration programs move beyond calorie supply to balanced nutrition support.
