Punjab govt to induct 13.5 lakh families under Atta-Dal scheme

Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal today approved inclusion of new 13.5 lakh beneficiary families under the 'Atta-Dal' scheme of the state government.
So far 15.40 lakh families have been provided wheat and Dal under subsidised scheme. Under the scheme, Atta is provided at a rate of Re 1 per kg and dal at Rs 20 per kg per month to the beneficiary.
The government would state distribution of new 'Blue Cards' in the state from February 5 and the process would be completed within next 10 days, he said here.
He asked the Deputy Commissioners to personally monitor the distribution of blue cards and health cards to the beneficiaries so the people should no face any difficulty.

He said that the lists of valid beneficiaries should be uploaded on departmental website on or before January 22 so that claims for objections could be filed up to January 29.
He said that the final lists would be uploaded by February one.

To provide the sand and gravel on reasonable rates, he approved new distribution scheme of mineral supplies, which would be implemented from February one.
Under this policy, mineral supplies would be controlled by Mandi Board as nodal agency in coordination with district administrations and mining department.
He said that the state government has identified three major areas - Pathankot, Rupnagar and Ferozpur districts which supplies the major share of natural resources.

Under the distribution system, the DCs would supervise and publish the affordable sand and gravel rates.
He asked the DCs to ensure that there would be no monopoly in availability and transportation in sand and gravel.
He said that from the next month rates of sand and gravel would come down as Punjab Government is all set for the auction of 26 A-Category mines on February 6 and 7.