Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann Promises to Protect 5.5 Million Ration Cards Amid Centre’s Cut Plan

The central government’s indifference towards the poor in Punjab has now come to the forefront. While the country struggles with inflation and unemployment, the BJP-led central government is now determined to snatch the rights of millions of poor families in Punjab. Out of a total of 15.3 million ration card holders in the state, 5.5 million of the most needy families are set to have their free ration cut. Shockingly, the ration for 2.3 million people has already been quietly stopped since July, and now, after September 30, another 3.2 million people face the threat of going hungry, simply because their eKYC updates could not be completed.

Technical Pretexts and Lack of Support

This is the same central government that claims to be the ‘government of the poor’ during elections, yet it is now cutting rations under technical pretexts. No on-ground support was provided, no deadlines were given, and no awareness campaigns were conducted. It seems as if the poor are being deliberately punished.

CM Mann Takes a Firm Stand

However, the Punjab government led by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has announced that it will stand like a wall against this cruel decision. The Chief Minister has written to the central government requesting six months’ time and has directed the entire administrative team to personally visit homes and ensure that every poor person completes their eKYC. Bhagwant Mann has clearly stated that as long as he is the Chief Minister, no poor person’s ration card will be cut by the BJP government.

Protecting Rights and Dignity of the Poor

The Mann government also believes that ration for the poor is not merely a scheme, but a constitutional and moral right. The central government’s move is not only insensitive but also goes against social justice and humanity. Using technical glitches as an excuse to leave millions hungry is something no democratic or welfare-oriented government should do. This struggle is not just about ration cards; it is a fight for the dignity, rights, and humanity of the poor. And in this battle, the AAP government is standing firmly with the poor – on the ground, with strength, and without fear or pressure.