Big provision of Rs 900 crore for ‘Meri Rasoi’ scheme in Punjab budget, 40 lakh families will get benefit

Punjab Budget 2026-27: A budget provision of Rs 900 crore has been kept in the financial year 2026–27 to effectively implement the ‘Meri Rasoi’ scheme reflecting the continued commitment of the Punjab Government to reduce household expenses and provide economic assistance to the vulnerable sections.

This announcement made by Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema during the Budget 2026–27 in the Punjab Assembly was heartily welcomed by Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Lal Chand Kattaruchak.

Kataruchak thanked the CM and Finance Minister

Thanking Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, Kattaruchak said this flagship scheme will go a long way in strengthening food and nutrition security for vulnerable families across the state.

Free ration kits to 40 lakh families

Under this initiative, about 40 lakh families covered under the NFSA/Smart Ration Card Scheme will be provided quarterly ration kits containing essential commodities like 2 kg sugar, 2 kg gram pulses, 1 liter mustard oil, 200 gm turmeric and 1 kg salt free of cost, in addition to their existing entitlement to receive grains. Apart from this, fulfilling the long standing demand of the people, the benefit of food security will be provided to 10 lakh new beneficiaries in the coming year.

Wheat distribution ensured through smart card scheme

Along with ensuring food security for every family of Punjab, it was also announced that in order to provide employment opportunities to the people, the state government has also started the process of allotting depots (FPS) in the state against the vacant vacancies. On completion of this process in the next 1–2 months, licenses will be issued to run fair price shops/ration depots in the state, through which wheat will also be distributed to the beneficiaries registered under the Smart Card Ration Scheme in the state.

Plantation and expansion of green areas

With regard to the Forest Department, more than 1.11 crore saplings have been planted so far under the ‘Shri Guru Teg Bahadur Hariyawal Sankalp’ initiative in all the districts of the state. Nanak gardens, sacred forests and parks are being developed to expand urban and community green areas under the Green Punjab Mission. It is proposed to plant trees in an area of ​​more than 4150 hectares during the financial year 2026–27. Rs 238 crore has been reserved under the Pancampa Scheme for forest and wildlife conservation initiatives as well as approved schemes.

Additionally, the state is also launching a Rs 760 crore Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)-supported project to be implemented over the next eight years, which aims to promote tree plantation and biodiversity conservation through community participation, so as to strengthen the long-term environmental sustainability of Punjab.