In a major welfare initiative, the Government of Punjab under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has officially launched the Meri Rasoi Scheme to provide free nutritional food kits to nearly 40 lakh poor and economically weaker families across the state.
The Meri Rasoi Yojna was formally launched on 9 May 2026 from Bhalwan village in Sangrur district. Under the scheme, eligible blue card holder families registered under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) will receive specially prepared kitchen kits every three months in addition to their regular wheat supply through the Public Distribution System (PDS).
The initiative aims to reduce the kitchen burden on struggling households amid rising inflation and ensure that families have access to nutritious essential food items such as pulses, mustard oil, sugar, salt, and turmeric.
If you want to check the complete food kit items list, eligibility details, and latest distribution updates under the Punjab Meri Rasoi Scheme 2026, read this article till the end.
What is Meri Rasoi Scheme 2026
| Name of Scheme | Meri Rasoi (My Kitchen) Scheme |
| State | Punjab |
| Launch Date | Approved on 23 February 2026; officially launched on 9 May 2026 |
| Launched by | CM Bhagwant Mann |
| Objective | To combat malnutrition, reduce kitchen expenses of poor families, and provide nutritional support |
| Eligible Beneficiaries | Families registered under the National Food Security Act (NFSA), commonly known as Blue Card Holders |
| Number of Beneficiaries | 40 lakh families residing across the state |
| Benefit | Free nutritional food kits every 3 months in addition to regular wheat quota |
| Items in Each Food Kit | 2 kg of Urad and Chana Dal, 2 kg of sugar, 1 kg of iodized salt, 200 grams of turmeric powder, and one litre of mustard oil |
| Distribution Timeline | Every 3 months |
| Distribution Start Date (1st Phase) | April 2026 for the quarter of April, May, and June |
Why the Meri Rasoi Scheme Was Introduced
The scheme was conceptualized after health inspections in schools revealed concerns about malnutrition among children. These findings prompted the state government to take proactive measures to ensure that families have access to balanced and nutritious food.
By supplementing staple wheat with protein-rich pulses and other essential ingredients, the government aims to improve overall dietary standards, especially among children from low-income households.Latest Update: CM Bhagwant Mann Officially Launches Meri Rasoi Yojna
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann officially launched the Meri Rasoi Yojna on 9 May 2026 from Bhalwan village in Sangrur district.During the launch event, the Chief Minister stated that the scheme has been introduced to ensure that kitchens of poor and middle-class families remain functional despite rising inflation. He said that previous governments mainly focused on distributing wheat and pulses, while the current government has adopted a broader approach by providing complete kitchen support through essential grocery items.
Under the scheme, beneficiary families will receive kitchen kits every three months containing mustard oil, pulses, sugar, salt, turmeric, and other essential household grocery items.
The Chief Minister also emphasized that proper nutrition for children is necessary for better health, education, and participation in sports. According to him, the scheme aims to ensure that no child suffers due to lack of nutritious food.
During the event, the government also highlighted other welfare initiatives including free electricity, women welfare schemes, irrigation improvements, and healthcare support under the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna.
What Does the Meri Rasoi Food Kit Include?
Under the scheme, food kits will be distributed every three months through the Public Distribution System (PDS). Each kit will contain:
- 2 kg Urad Dal
- 2 kg Chana Dal
- 2 kg Sugar
- 1 kg Iodized Salt
- 200 grams Turmeric Powder
- 1 litre Mustard Oil
Where to Get Kit - Public Distribution System (PDS)
Ensuring Quality and Proper Implementation
The scheme will be implemented through Punjab State Cooperative Supply and Marketing Federation Limited (Markfed) in coordination with the state's Food and Supply Department. This will ensure smooth distribution and transparency.Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann emphasized that quality will be a top priority in the execution of the scheme. He assured citizens that the mustard oil provided in the kits would meet premium standards similar to what families use in their own kitchens.
Punjab's Legacy and Commitment to Welfare
Punjab has long been recognized as the breadbasket of India, playing a pivotal role in the Green Revolution and contributing significantly to the nation's food security. Building on this legacy, the Meri Rasoi scheme reflects the government's commitment to improving the quality of life for its citizens.
The initiative complements existing welfare measures such as free electricity, water supply, and education support programs. However, this scheme specifically focuses on strengthening nutritional security for the next generation.
The initiative complements existing welfare measures such as free electricity, water supply, and education support programs. However, this scheme specifically focuses on strengthening nutritional security for the next generation.
While launching the scheme, the Punjab Government led by CM Bhagwant Mann stated that Meri Rasoi Yojna is part of a larger welfare-focused governance model aimed at strengthening food security, improving nutrition, and reducing the financial burden on economically weaker households across the state.
Impact on Families and Children (Expected)
- Nutritional support for 40 lakh families
- Better health outcomes for children
- Reduced financial burden on poor households
- Improved overall dietary diversity
Funding
It is learnt that the state government has allocated around ₹950 crore to ₹1,000 crore for this scheme as there are 40 lakh needy families registered as blue card holders under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) or Smart Ration Card Scheme.Official Updates & External Links
The scheme has been widely reported in news outlets as launched by the Punjab government. However, detailed official pages on the state portal may take some time to go live after the announcement.For updates, beneficiaries can:
- Check the Official Punjab Government website
- Visit their local PDS ration depot
- Contact the Food and Civil Supplies Department
Conclusion
Through quarterly free kitchen kits containing essential grocery items, the scheme aims to reduce household expenses, improve nutritional intake, and support children’s health and development. With the official launch now completed, beneficiaries can expect regular distribution of food kits through PDS ration depots across Punjab.
The scheme also reflects the Punjab Government’s broader focus on welfare measures related to food security, healthcare, electricity relief, and women empowerment.
The scheme also reflects the Punjab Government’s broader focus on welfare measures related to food security, healthcare, electricity relief, and women empowerment.

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