24 February 2026 (Navroze Bureau) : The Punjab government has announced the launch of the ‘Meri Rasoi Yojna’, a major welfare initiative aimed at providing affordable and nutritious meals to nearly 40 lakh families across the state. The scheme was approved during a recent cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, marking another step in the government’s push to strengthen social security and reduce the burden of rising living costs on low-income households.
Under the Meri Rasoi Yojna, subsidised meals will be made available to economically weaker sections, including daily wage workers, labourers, urban poor, and vulnerable rural families. The programme is designed to ensure food security while maintaining nutritional standards, especially for families struggling with inflation and limited incomes. According to officials, the scheme will be rolled out in phases to ensure smooth implementation and effective monitoring.
The initiative is expected to operate through a network of community kitchens set up in urban centres, towns, and rural areas. These kitchens will provide freshly cooked meals at highly affordable rates, with the state government bearing a significant portion of the cost. The aim is not only to fight hunger but also to promote dignity by offering clean, wholesome food in organised facilities rather than through charity-based distribution.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said the scheme reflects the government’s commitment to public welfare and social justice. He emphasised that no family in Punjab should be forced to sleep hungry, adding that access to food is a basic right and not a privilege. The chief minister also highlighted that the scheme would particularly benefit families affected by unemployment, seasonal work, and economic uncertainty.
Officials said special attention would be given to maintaining food quality, hygiene, and transparency. Local self-help groups, women’s collectives, and cooperative societies may be involved in running the kitchens, which is expected to generate employment at the grassroots level. The government is also considering digital tracking and regular audits to prevent misuse and ensure that benefits reach the intended beneficiaries.
The Meri Rasoi Yojna complements other social welfare measures introduced by the Punjab government, including free electricity for households, health services, and education support. By addressing food insecurity directly, the scheme aims to improve overall well-being, particularly for children, elderly citizens, and migrant workers who are often the most affected during economic slowdowns.
Political observers see the initiative as a significant move ahead of upcoming civic and local body engagements, but the government maintains that the focus remains on governance and public service delivery. Social activists and civil society groups have largely welcomed the decision, calling it a timely intervention amid rising food prices.
The state government has assured that detailed guidelines, eligibility norms, and implementation timelines will be shared soon. Once fully operational, Meri Rasoi Yojna is expected to become one of the largest food security programmes in Punjab, offering relief and stability to nearly 40 lakh families across the state.
Summary
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has launched the Meri Rasoi Yojna, a food security scheme aimed at providing affordable meals to around 40 lakh economically weaker families.