Punjab Launches ‘Meri Rasoi’ Scheme

Punjab has introduced the ‘Meri Rasoi’ scheme, a state welfare programme designed to improve food security for nearly 40 lakh eligible families. Announced by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, the initiative will begin in April 2026 and aims to provide free quarterly ration kits to beneficiaries across the state. These kits will include essential grocery items such as pulses, sugar, salt, turmeric powder, and mustard oil, supplementing the wheat already distributed under the National Food Security Act framework. The distribution will be managed through the state’s Food and Civil Supplies Department and Markfed, with monitoring systems to ensure quality and transparency. The scheme is intended to ease the financial burden on low-income households while promoting better nutrition and consistent access to essential food commodities.

Punjab Announces ‘Meri Rasoi’ Free Ration Scheme: Key Benefits and Details

• The Punjab government has introduced the ‘Meri Rasoi’ scheme to strengthen food security for economically weaker households across the state.

• The scheme was announced by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann as part of the government’s social welfare initiatives.

• It is expected to benefit nearly 40 lakh eligible families in Punjab.

• The rollout is scheduled to begin in April 2026.

• Beneficiaries will receive free ration kits on a quarterly basis.

• Each food kit will include essential grocery items such as pulses, sugar, salt, turmeric powder, and mustard oil.

• The scheme supplements the wheat already provided under the National Food Security Act.

• The initiative aims to reduce the financial burden on low-income families facing rising food prices.

• Distribution of the ration kits will be managed by the state’s Food and Civil Supplies Department along with Markfed.

• Monitoring and quality control measures will be implemented to ensure transparency and proper delivery.

• The scheme focuses on improving household nutrition by ensuring access to basic food essentials.

• It also supports food affordability and stability for vulnerable sections of society.

• ‘Meri Rasoi’ reflects the state government’s commitment to welfare-driven governance and inclusive development.

Recently Asked Questions in Government Exams

The Treaty of Amritsar (1809) was signed between Maharaja Ranjit Singh and which British authority?
(A) Lord Wellesley
(B) Lord Hastings
(C) Lord Minto
(D) Lord Dalhousie
Answer: (C)
Explanation: The Treaty of Amritsar (1809) was signed between Maharaja Ranjit Singh and Lord Minto, limiting Sikh expansion east of the Sutlej River.

2. The Harappan site of Ropar (Rupnagar) is located on the banks of which river?
(A) Ravi
(B) Beas
(C) Sutlej
(D) Ghaggar
Answer: (C)
Explanation: Ropar is an important Indus Valley Civilisation site located on the Sutlej River in Punjab.

3. Which Guru compiled the Adi Granth, later known as the Guru Granth Sahib?
(A) Guru Nanak Dev
(B) Guru Arjan Dev
(C) Guru Gobind Singh
(D) Guru Tegh Bahadur
Answer: (B)
Explanation: Guru Arjan Dev compiled the Adi Granth in 1604, which later became the Guru Granth Sahib.

4. The Anandpur Sahib Resolution (1973) primarily demanded what?
(A) Separation from India
(B) Greater state autonomy
(C) Formation of Khalistan
(D) Merger with Himachal Pradesh
Answer: (B)
Explanation: The resolution sought greater autonomy for Punjab within the Indian federal structure.

5. The Sirhind Canal system in Punjab is primarily fed by which river?
(A) Sutlej
(B) Ravi
(C) Beas
(D) Chenab
Answer: (A)
Explanation: The Sirhind Canal is drawn from the Sutlej River and supports irrigation in Punjab.

6. Which Mughal ruler ordered the execution of Guru Tegh Bahadur in Delhi?
(A) Akbar
(B) Jahangir
(C) Shah Jahan
(D) Aurangzeb
Answer: (D)
Explanation: Guru Tegh Bahadur was executed in 1675 during Aurangzeb’s reign.

7. Which district of Punjab shares the longest international border with Pakistan?
(A) Amritsar
(B) Gurdaspur
(C) Ferozepur
(D) Tarn Taran
Answer: (Ferozepur)
Explanation: Ferozepur district has one of the longest stretches of the India–Pakistan border in Punjab.

Conclusion (‘Meri Rasoi’ Scheme)

The ‘Meri Rasoi’ scheme reflects Punjab’s effort to strengthen food security and support vulnerable families. By providing free quarterly ration kits alongside existing subsidies, the initiative aims to reduce financial pressure and improve nutrition. If implemented effectively, it can enhance household stability and reinforce the state’s commitment to inclusive welfare.