Chandigarh : In a series of major decisions combining welfare expansion with fiscal strengthening, the Punjab Cabinet led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Monday approved the landmark ‘Punjab Government Food Programme’ to provide wheat, sugar, mustard oil and salt to nearly 40 lakh families covered under the National Food Security Act (NFSA). The initiative is being described as one of the largest food security interventions in the state’s history.
The Council of Ministers, chaired by the Chief Minister, also approved an ambitious excise revenue target of ₹12,800 crore for the financial year 2026-27, with projections to double revenue collections over the next five years to further strengthen public welfare schemes.
According to the Chief Minister’s Office, under the new food programme, beneficiaries registered under the NFSA, 2013 will receive wheat along with sugar, mustard oil and salt through the Public Distribution System starting in April. The move aims to provide substantial relief to economically weaker and underprivileged sections of society, ensuring access to nutritious food for millions of families and improving food security across the state.
Excise Revenue to Rise to ₹12,800 Crore
The Punjab Cabinet approved the Excise Policy for 2026-27, fixing a revenue target of ₹12,800 crore—an increase of ₹1,600 crore (12.5 percent) over the revised target of ₹11,200 crore for the previous financial year. Excise revenue, which was around ₹6,200 crore at the beginning of the current government’s tenure, is projected to double within five years.
One-Time Relief for Flood-Affected Farmers
In a humanitarian decision, the Punjab Cabinet approved one-time compensation for farmers cultivating government land whose crops were damaged during the Monsoon 2025 floods.
Farmers whose crop losses were recorded during the special girdawari of 2025 but were denied compensation due to changes in land records following High Court directions in September 2015 will now be eligible for relief. However, this compensation will not grant any ownership rights over the land.
ਅੱਜ ਚੰਡੀਗੜ੍ਹ ਵਿਖੇ ਪੰਜਾਬ ਕੈਬਨਿਟ ਦੀ ਮੀਟਿੰਗ ਸੱਦੀ ਗਈ, ਜਿਸ ਵਿੱਚ ਕਈ ਅਹਿਮ ਫ਼ੈਸਲੇ ਲਏ ਗਏ।
👉 ‘ਮੇਰੀ ਰਸੋਈ ਸਕੀਮ’ ਤਹਿਤ ਪੌਸ਼ਟਿਕ ਖੁਰਾਕ ਆਮ ਲੋਕਾਂ ਤੱਕ ਪਹੁੰਚਾਉਣ ਨੂੰ ਮਨਜ਼ੂਰੀ
👉 PSIEC ‘ਚ OTS ਸਕੀਮ ਜੂਨ 2026 ਤੱਕ ਵਧਾਉਣ ਨੂੰ ਪ੍ਰਵਾਨਗੀ
👉 ਪੰਜਾਬ ਦੇ ਨੈਸ਼ਨਲ ਹਾਈਵੇ ‘ਤੇ ਮਿੱਟੀ ਦੀ ਡੀ-ਸਿਲਟਿੰਗ ਨੂੰ ਮਨਜ਼ੂਰੀ
👉… pic.twitter.com/jIowNS0k8t— Bhagwant Mann (@BhagwantMann) February 23, 2026
Compensation will be provided to those recorded in the khasra girdawari prior to September 25, 2015, or to their legal heirs if they continue to cultivate the land. No compensation will be granted where possession does not align with 2015 revenue records. A committee comprising the Sarpanch, Nambardar and Patwari will verify eligibility and submit reports for disbursement.
OTS Scheme Extended Till June 30, 2026
The Punjab Cabinet also extended the One-Time Settlement (OTS) Scheme for Government Departments and Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) from December 31, 2025 to June 30, 2026. The extension applies to eligible allottees whose plots were restored by the Board of Directors of the Punjab State Industrial Export Corporation (PSIEC), allowing them to settle outstanding dues along with interest.
Reward Policy to Strengthen Crime Crackdown
To intensify action against wanted criminals, the Punjab Cabinet approved a transparent Reward Policy aimed at institutionalizing a systematic mechanism for granting rewards. The policy is intended to motivate informers and acknowledge the efforts of law enforcement officers. Sanctioning authority under various categories has been delegated to SSPs, Commissioners of Police, the DGP and other competent officers.
Also read ; Dr. Ravjot Singh Announces District-Wise NRI Meets Across Punjab
Punjab Cabinet Strengthening Economic Planning
The Punjab Cabinet approved the creation of two additional Vice-Chairperson posts in the Economic Policy and Planning Board, increasing the total from three to five. This move is expected to enhance sector-specific oversight, improve coordination with departments and district planning committees, and expedite decision-making.
Budget Session from March 6 to 16
The Punjab Cabinet also approved the summoning of the 12th (Budget) Session of the 16th Punjab Vidhan Sabha from March 6 to March 16. The Governor’s Address will be delivered on March 6, while the Finance Minister will present the Budget for 2026-27 on March 8.
Benefits for Covid Volunteers and Revival of Staff Nurse Posts
The Punjab Cabinet granted special age relaxation and additional recruitment marks to Covid volunteers and contractual or outsourced employees of the Health and Family Welfare Department applying for Group-C and Group-D posts. These benefits will apply to direct recruitment processes conducted up to December 31, 2026, recognizing services rendered during the pandemic as relevant experience.
Additionally, approval was granted for the revival and filling of 361 vacant Staff Nurse (Group-C) posts in the Health and Family Welfare Department. Of these, 224 posts have been vacant for over a year, while 137 have been vacant for less than a year. Recruitment will be carried out through Baba Farid University of Health Sciences, Faridkot, outside the purview of the Punjab Subordinate Staff Selection Board.
With these decisions, the Punjab government has underscored its focus on welfare delivery, fiscal consolidation, administrative reform and improved public service infrastructure.