In a significant move to streamline its flagship welfare program, the Punjab government has undertaken a massive cleanup of its Free Atta-Dal Scheme, removing over 11 lakh ineligible beneficiaries from the rolls. This decisive action follows comprehensive verification drives and is expected to save the state exchequer approximately ₹130 crore annually.
Massive Verification Drive Yields Results
The Food and Civil Supplies Department conducted extensive verification campaigns across the state, revealing startling discrepancies in the beneficiary list. According to official data, the number of eligible families has been revised downward from 1.57 crore to 1.46 crore, reflecting the removal of beneficiaries who were either deceased, duplicated, or no longer met the eligibility criteria.
Financial Prudence and Targeted Delivery
This cleanup operation represents the Bhagwant Mann-led AAP government's commitment to ensuring that welfare schemes reach only the intended beneficiaries. The annual savings of ₹130 crore demonstrates the scale of leakage that had been occurring in the system, funds that can now be redirected toward other developmental initiatives.
Ongoing Monitoring and Future Safeguards
Officials have emphasized that this is not a one-time exercise. The department has implemented continuous monitoring mechanisms to prevent future irregularities and ensure that the scheme remains targeted toward genuinely eligible families. Regular audits and digital tracking systems are being strengthened to maintain the integrity of the distribution process.
Scheme Background and Impact
The Free Atta-Dal Scheme has been a cornerstone of Punjab's social welfare initiatives, providing essential food grains to economically vulnerable families. The current administration's cleanup drive aims to restore public confidence in the program while optimizing resource utilization. Beneficiaries continue to receive their monthly entitlements without disruption, with the government assuring that no genuine beneficiary has been affected by the verification process.
