Punjab Cabinet clears key welfare measures; Monsoon Session from August 3; Watch Video
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, July 21, 2026: The Punjab Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, on Monday took a series of key decisions aimed at strengthening welfare measures, improving governance, and accelerating development across the state.
Addressing a press conference after the Cabinet meeting, Mann announced that the Monsoon Session of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha will be held from August 3 to August 10, during which the government will introduce several people-centric ordinances and Bills. He said the duration of the session may be extended or curtailed by the Business Advisory Committee (BAC) if required.
10 lakh new ration cards
The Chief Minister announced that the process of issuing 10 lakh new ration cards will begin from July 22, with a 21-day application window. Families with newly married members can also apply to include their names.
He said the government has replaced the earlier manual verification system with a 100 per cent digital verification process to eliminate corruption and ensure benefits reach genuine beneficiaries. In line with Supreme Court guidelines, widows, persons with disabilities, families suffering from serious illnesses, people living in kutcha houses, and economically weaker households will receive priority.
Mann added that migrant workers registered under the e-Shram portal will also be eligible for ration cards by linking them with the national database. Applications can be submitted online, at DFSC offices, or through service centres, with applicants receiving SMS acknowledgements.
Expansion of welfare schemes
The Chief Minister said 32 lakh families are currently receiving benefits under the Meri Rasoi Yojana, which provides 5 kg of wheat along with essential kitchen items such as mustard oil, turmeric and salt. The remaining 8 lakh eligible families will be covered this month.
On the Maawan-Dhi Satkaryog Yojana, Mann said financial assistance has already been credited to the accounts of 32 lakh women. Following fresh registrations, the number of beneficiaries is expected to cross 37 lakh. Women registering for the first time will receive a lump sum payment for July, August and September on August 1, with benefits effective from July 1.
881 government school students clear NEET
Highlighting achievements in education, Mann said 881 students from Punjab government schools qualified the NEET examination this year, describing it as a reflection of the state’s “education revolution.”
He congratulated the students, parents and teachers, saying the government’s goal is to make Punjab the leading state in education.
Private schools warned over fee practices
The Chief Minister also announced that the government is preparing strict legal measures to regulate private school fees.
Expressing concern over the recent suicide of a student allegedly linked to fee-related harassment, Mann said education is a service and should not become a profit-making business. He warned that arbitrary charges, including building fees, swimming pool fees, tour charges, and forcing parents to purchase books and uniforms from specific vendors, would not be tolerated.
Sacrilege law under legal review
Mann said the government is consulting the Advocate General (AG) and legal experts on recommendations received from Sri Akal Takht Sahib regarding the proposed anti-sacrilege legislation to ensure the law is constitutionally sound and legally sustainable.
Employment and farmers’ issues
The Chief Minister reiterated that nearly 68,000 government jobs have been provided under the Aam Aadmi Party government through a transparent recruitment process without recommendations or bribery.
He said the Cabinet also discussed issues concerning farmers, including the situation at the Shambhu border, and urged the Centre and the Haryana Government to address the demands of peacefully protesting farmers.
Mann said the government’s focus remains on making Punjab a “Rangla Punjab” through transparent governance, stronger public services and people-centric policies.