Punjab Atta Dal Scheme — Free Wheat Flour & Lentils

What is Punjab Atta Dal Scheme?

Punjab Atta Dal Scheme is the Government of Punjab's state ration scheme providing free wheat flour (atta) and lentils (dal) to eligible BPL families every month through the Public Distribution System (PDS). This supplements the central PM Garib Kalyan Ann Yojana (PMGKAY) which provides rice/wheat.

Punjab's scheme specifically provides processed atta (flour) instead of raw wheat — more practical for direct consumption.

Monthly Entitlement

A family of 4 would receive 20 kg atta + 4 kg dal every month — completely free.

Who is Eligible?

• Punjab resident with a valid BPL ration card
• Priority Household (PHH) category under NFSA
• Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) card holders
• Women-headed households get additional preference

The ration card is issued by the Punjab Food and Civil Supplies Department.

How to Collect Your Ration

1. Visit your designated Fair Price Shop (FPS) — the one listed on your ration card
2. Use the EPOS (Electronic Point of Sale) machine at the shop
3. Authentication:
   • Aadhaar fingerprint/OTP on the EPOS machine
   • Or family member (if the card holder is unable)
4. Collect atta and dal as per your family entitlement
5. Get a receipt from the FPS dealer

Monthly frequency: Ration is distributed each month — ideally in the first two weeks.

How to Get a BPL Ration Card in Punjab

If you don't have a ration card:

1. Go to your nearest Tehsildar office or DSO (District Supply Officer) office
2. Apply for a new ration card with documents
3. OR apply online at epos.punjab.gov.in if the portal accepts new applications

For existing ration card holders, modifications (adding/removing family members) can be done at the DSO office.

Checking Your Ration Status

1. Go to epos.punjab.gov.in
2. Enter your ration card number or Aadhaar
3. View monthly distribution status — whether ration collected or pending

Frequently Asked Questions

My FPS dealer says atta is not available this month. What do I do?

Non-availability at FPS is a distribution lapse. Contact the District Supply Officer (DSO) or call the Punjab Food helpline: 1967. You are entitled to claim the missed ration in the next month.

Can I get ration from a different FPS (not my designated one)?

Typically no — each family is assigned to a specific FPS. However, Punjab has implemented portability in some districts, allowing collection from any FPS. Check with your DSO.

My Aadhaar is not seeded to the ration card. Can I still collect?

Aadhaar seeding is mandatory for EPOS-based collection. Visit your DSO office to get Aadhaar linked to your ration card. Until linked, you may face difficulty in biometric authentication.

We are a family of 6. How much atta and dal do we get?

6 persons × 5 kg atta = 30 kg atta and 6 × 1 kg dal = 6 kg dal per month, all free.

Is the atta pre-packaged or loose?

The atta is usually provided in 5 kg or 10 kg pre-packaged bags at the FPS. Quality is checked by Punjab Food Corporation.

Official Links

• Ration status check: epos.punjab.gov.in
• Punjab Food & Civil Supplies: foodsuppb.nic.in
• Helpline: 1967 (Punjab Food and Civil Supplies)