Chandigarh, Feb 23 (NationPress) In anticipation of the upcoming assembly elections in early 2027, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab revealed the launch of the "Meri Rasoi" scheme on Monday. This initiative aims to deliver nutritious food to 40 lakh blue card holders across the state starting in April.

Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann made this announcement following a meeting with the Council of Ministers in Chandigarh.

The "Meri Rasoi" scheme guarantees that each blue card holder will receive a monthly ration of 2 kg dal, 2 kg sugar, 1 kg iodised salt, 200 grams haldi, and 1 litre of mustard oil in addition to the free wheat they already receive.

According to the Chief Minister, families will be supplied with this ration kit for a duration of three months starting in April.

Officials confirmed that the "Meri Rasoi" scheme has a budget allocation of Rs 1,000 crore.

While the kits will be prepared by the state-run Markfed, the distribution will be handled by the Food and Supplies Department.

Beginning in April, each cardholder enrolled under the National Food Security Act or Smart Ration Card Scheme will receive a separate bag containing these essential food items. Beneficiaries are entitled to 15 kg of wheat each month, distributed quarterly in a 45-kg bag.

CM Mann pointed out the irony that while Punjab sustains millions across the country, numerous families within the state struggle to secure even one meal per day.

"Our children are often undernourished and suffer from iron deficiency. The meals provided lack sufficient protein. As a government dedicated to welfare, it is our obligation to ensure every citizen receives nutritious meals," he stated.

In other developments, the Cabinet has decided to convene the Budget session from March 6 to 16, with the Budget presentation scheduled for International Women’s Day on March 8, which coincidentally falls on a Sunday.

"If Prime Minister Narendra Modi can convene a Parliament session on a Sunday, why can’t we? We too can present our budget on that day," Mann remarked.

Additionally, the Chief Minister mentioned ongoing investigations into the recent murders of two security personnel at a border checkpoint in Gurdaspur.

Assistant Sub-Inspector Gurnam Singh and home guard Ashok Kumar were tragically found deceased near the Pakistan border.

Regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR), CM Mann stated that the government would fully cooperate with the Election Commission but would oppose any attempts to disenfranchise voters.