Ludhiana, Aug. 25 -- The allotment of 757 ration depots in Ludhiana district has been hanging on fire for the past four months, leaving hundreds of applicants in a state of uncertainty. Despite completing the process of inviting applications and extending deadlines, the food supplies and consumer affairs department has failed to move forward, with no official explanation given to those who have applied, officials familiar with the matter said.

Reportedly, the depots were planned to ease the mounting pressure on the existing public distribution system (PDS) and provide employment to marginalised groups such as women self-help groups, widows, riot victims, handicapped citizens, freedom fighters, and retired soldiers. A notification for all...