YEAR ENDER – FOOD, CIVIL SUPPLIES & CONSUMER AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT
STUPENDOUS SUCCESS OF ‘BRING DRY PADDY IN MANDIS’ CAMPAIGN PROPELLED SUCCESS OF PADDY PROCUREMENT SEASON
Chandigarh, December 19:In a testimony to the pro-farmer approach of the Punjab Government led by the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department under the guidance of Lal Chand Kataruchak ensured the successful Wheat and Paddy procurement seasons during the year 2025-26. Both the seasons saw foolproof arrangements in the mandis with regard to the proper sanitation, water and the bardana for the benefit of all the stakeholders i.e. Farmers, Arhtiyas, Labourers which contributed hugely to ensuring seamless and hassle free procurement seasons.
The Wheat procurement season spread over April-May saw over 130 Lakh Metric Tonne (LMT) of the farmers’ produce being procured and lifted within the time span of 72 hours. Over Rs. 27000 Crore were credited into the accounts of the farmers.
Likewise, the Paddy procurement season (October-November) was also proven to be a resounding success despite the State being ravaged by floods. The department machinery rose up to the challenge posed by the floods and ensured a successful season with more than 156 LMT of the paddy being procured and payments in excess of Rs. 37000 Crore being credited into the farmers accounts.
The highlight of the season was the stupendous success of the campaign launched by the State Government exhorting the farmers to bring dry crop into the mandis so as to get the adequate price for their crops produced with the great effort.
To ensure smooth distribution of wheat under National Food Security Act (NFSA) and to bring transparency and efficiency in operational in Public Distribution System, a dedicated ePoS device and Electronic Weighing Scale (EWS) has been deployed at each Fair Price shop and each Electronic weighing machine has been integrated with the ePoS device.
Further, till date, approximately 1.31 Crore beneficiaries (86.46%) have performed their eKYC.
The main mandate of the Legal Metrology Wing is to safeguard the rights of consumers in respect of correct weight & measurement and take appropriate legal action against the violation of the rules made under the Legal Metrology Act 2009. During the financial year 2025–26, revenue of ₹16.41 crore has been generated up to October 31st, 2025.
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Punjab Sets New Benchmarks in Social Security and Inclusive Governance
Special Focus on Senior Citizens, Women and Children during 2025 (FY 2025–26): Dr. Baljit Kaur
*₹4,683.94 Crore Released Under Social Security Schemes*
*35.29 Lakh Beneficiaries Receive Continuous Financial Support*
*766 Children Rescued Under Project JIWANJYOT in Drive Towards a Beggar-Free Punjab*
*64 Child Marriages Prevented Through Timely Government Intervention*
*Strict Enforcement of Safe School Vehicle Policy to Protect Students*
*Punjab Becomes India’s First State to Introduce Sign Language in Assembly Proceedings*
*Inclusive Travel Facilities Extended to Persons with Disabilities and Visually Impaired*
*One Stop Centres Provide Safety, Support and Dignity to Violence-Affected Women*
*Free Bus Travel Strengthens Women’s Mobility and Empowerment*
*3.68 Crore Sanitary Pads Distributed Free to 13.65 Lakh Women*
*5 Working Women Hostels Planned in Mohali, Jalandhar and Amritsar*
Chandigarh, December 19:Under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government continues to implement people-centric policies aimed at ensuring the welfare of every section of society. During the year 2025 (Financial Year 2025–26), several landmark initiatives have been undertaken to strengthen the social and economic security of senior citizens, women, children and Persons with Disabilities. This was stated by Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur.
Dr. Baljit Kaur said that a budget provision of ₹6,175 crore was made under Social Security Schemes during 2025, out of which ₹4,683.94 crore has already been released up to November 2025 towards old age pension and other financial assistance schemes.
She informed that 35,29,216 beneficiaries are presently receiving continuous financial assistance, reflecting the Punjab Government’s commitment to building a strong and reliable social security framework.
Highlighting the government’s resolve to eradicate child begging, the Minister said that Project JIWANJYOT has been launched, under which special enforcement drives are conducted across all districts during the second week of every month. Further strengthening the campaign, Project JIWANJYOT 2.0 has been implemented to curb child trafficking and identify those forcing children into begging. So far, 766 children have been rescued and steps taken for their education and rehabilitation.
Dr. Baljit Kaur stated that the government is working with full seriousness to eliminate the social evil of child marriage. During 2025, 64 child marriages were prevented in a timely manner, with the support of 2,076 notified Child Marriage Prohibition Officers across the state.
She said that ensuring the safety of school-going children remains a top priority. Under the Safe School Vehicle Policy, 2,385 school buses were inspected during the last four months, resulting in 404 challans and the impounding of two buses for safety violations.
The Minister informed that Punjab has become the first state in the country to introduce sign language in Vidhan Sabha proceedings, enabling persons with hearing and speech impairments to connect with the democratic process. For this initiative, one sign language interpreter, 42 special educators and 48 translators have been empanelled.
She further stated that free travel facilities are being provided to visually impaired persons, while Persons with Disabilities are entitled to travel at half fare. For FY 2025–26, ₹350 lakh has been allocated for this scheme, out of which ₹3.45 crore has already been spent.
Dr. Baljit Kaur said that One Stop Centres are operational in all districts, providing free medical, legal, police assistance, counselling and temporary shelter to violence-affected women. Up to November 2025, 5,121 women have benefited from these services.
She added that free bus travel is being provided to all women in Punjab, benefiting around 1.20 crore women every month. Expenditure of ₹450 crore has been incurred under this scheme up to November 2025.
Through more than 27,000 Anganwadi Centres, 3,68,72,550 sanitary pads have been distributed free of cost to 13,65,000 needy women. During the current financial year, ₹26.06 crore has been transferred via DBT to 69,110 Pregnant women beneficiaries, with a target to cover 1.14 lakh women beneficiaries.
The Minister also informed that five Working Women Hostels will be constructed in Mohali, Jalandhar and Amritsar at an estimated cost of ₹150 crore, with completion targeted by 2026.
In conclusion, Dr. Baljit Kaur reiterated that under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government remains fully committed to strengthening social security, empowering women and ensuring inclusive development for a prosperous and secure Punjab.
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