Punjab Launches Meri Rasoi Yojna | 27 Feb 2026

Why in News?

The Punjab government has launched the Meri Rasoi Yojna, a welfare initiative to provide free quarterly food kits to around 40 lakh families across the state starting April 2026, aiming to enhance food and nutrition security.

Key Points:

• Launch: Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann announced the scheme to provide free food kits every quarter to supplement existing food supplies, reduce hunger, and improve nutrition, especially for children and low-income households.
• Eligibility: The scheme targets families under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) or those holding blue ration cards.
• Food Kits: Each quarterly kit will include 2 kg chana dal, 2 kg sugar, 1 kg iodised salt, 200 g turmeric powder, and 1 litre mustard oil, in addition to subsidised wheat provided under NFSA.
• Implementation: Kits will be assembled by MARKFED and distributed by the Department of Food and Civil Supplies, with regular quality checks to maintain standards.
  • MARKFED stands for Punjab State Cooperative Supply & Marketing Federation Ltd. It is a state-level cooperative agency in Punjab responsible for procurement, storage, and distribution of essential commodities.
  • A digital system will be used to track distribution, ensure transparency, and prevent duplication or leakages in the supply chain.
• Vulnerable Groups: Special provisions are included to ensure distribution to families with differently-abled members, senior citizens, and single-parent households.
• Governance: The initiative has an estimated outlay of ₹950 crore, reflecting the state government’s commitment to food security and welfare.
• Significance: The scheme strengthens household food security, promotes nutrition, and ensures essential food items are accessible to economically weaker sections beyond existing ration provisions.