Punjab Faces Ration Card Stalemate Amid Beneficiary Overload

Punjab Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak stated that new ration cards cannot be issued because the registered beneficiaries exceed the National Food Security Act's cap. Currently, there are 18 lakh more beneficiaries than allowed. Discussions with the central government are underway to resolve this, pending the next Census.

In a recent assembly session, Punjab Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak highlighted a cessation in issuing new ration cards due to an excess that exceeds the cap under the National Food Security Act. The state currently has around 18 lakh more beneficiaries than the capped limit of 141.45 lakh.

During the budget session's Question Hour, Baba Bakala MLA Dalbir Singh raised concerns over potential deprivation of ration cards in his constituency. Kataruchak assured that eligible beneficiaries in Baba Bakala are receiving benefits, with all applications processed online.

Further, he explained the complexities of integrating new family members into existing ration cards, referencing ongoing discussions with the central government. This issue awaits a decision post-next Census. Meanwhile, other administrative matters, like the inclusion of gram panchayats into Amritsar's Municipal Corporation, continue to evolve with new procedural resolutions.

(With inputs from agencies.)