The Punjab Government led by the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann is fully committed to uphold and protect the interests of all the sections of the society especially those connected with the food security sector.
Hence, keeping the interests of depot holders in mind, their margin money has been increased to almost double after 8 years, disclosed the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Mr. Lal Chand Kataruchak here today during his interaction with the media.
He further said that in 2016, the margin money was Rs. 50 per quintal which has been increased to Rs. 90 Per Quintal and the increase has been implemented from April 2024. As a result, Rs. 38.43 crore stands released in this regard, said the Minister adding that this step would benefit 14400 ration depot holders in the State.
Giving an example, the Minister said that if 200 ration cards/800 beneficiaries are attached with a depot holder and each beneficiary got 5 Kg Wheat per month then margin money used to be approximately Rs. 2000 every month. But after the increase, they are getting the margin money to the extent of Rs. 3600 Per Month.
Regarding the issue of opening more ration depots in Punjab, the Minister divulged that the task is under process and the last date to apply for new ration depots is December 5th, 2024. He also mentioned that a total of 9792 Ration Depots would be opened in the State out of which 8040 would be based in rural while 1742 would be made operational in the urban areas.On the occasion, the Secretary, Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Mr. Vikas Garg was also present.