Chandigarh, December 30: The Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department had a successful year in 2024. They undertook several novel initiatives. These initiatives aimed at ensuring transparency in the department’s functioning. They purchased as many as 14420 E-PoS Kits. These kits included E-PoS devices, Iris scanners, and Electronic Weighing Scales. Their goal was to ensure hassle-free distribution of the ration.

Punjab Enhances E-PoS and Ration Depot Facilities

Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Affairs Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak announced that the tenders have been awarded.. This ensures the proper maintenance of the E-PoS machines. It also covers the Electronic Weighing Scales for the period of 5 years. Now, an E-PoS kit has been provided at each of the ration depots. We have installed electronic weighing scales at these depots. He further said that in 2016, the margin money of the  depot holders 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. The Minister added that this step would benefit 14400 ration depot holders in the State.

Initiatives : Punjab’s Record Procurement and Farmer Support

Besides, the department ensured a successful Rabi season by procuring 124.57 Lakh Metric Tonne (LMT) wheat for the central pool and crediting a sum of Rs. 28, 340.95 Crore in the accounts of 9 lakh farmers. Similarly, during the Kharif season, the department procured 172.93 LMT of paddy and credited an amount of Rs. 40,119.76 Crore into the accounts of approximately 8 lakh farmers.Till September 2024, the government distributed 44,20,826 Quintals of Wheat free of cost. The recipients were beneficiaries under the National Food Security Act (NFSA).

“Punjab’s Consumer Protection and Aadhar Saturation Achievements”

Taking strong steps to protect the interests of consumers, the Legal Meteorology wing earned revenue of Rs. 18.64 Crore by initiating action against those violating the principle of selling the goods in correct weight and quantity. The state achieved 100 percent Aadhar Saturation. The Aadhar Saturation report of the UIDAI dated November 11th, 2024, shows the State of Punjab. It ranks 7th amongst the States/UTs of the entire country.