Chandigarh: The Punjab government has revised the list of beneficiaries eligible for free wheat under the National Food Security Act (NFSA), potentially excluding around 11 lakh people from the scheme. The move follows criteria set by the central government and a notification issued by the state, aimed at streamlining benefits.
The notification specifies that all income taxpayers who pay GST, service tax, or professional tax, as well as owners of motorized four-wheel vehicles or air conditioners, will no longer be eligible for free wheat. The amendment is part of the Punjab Food Security Rules, 2016, and has been issued with the approval of the Chief Minister.
Officials said the revision is intended to ensure that the scheme reaches the genuinely needy and reduces misuse. The government has asked all concerned authorities to update records and implement the new criteria effectively.
