India, July 17 -- The Punjab government on Friday issued licences to 2,800 new ration depot holders as part of an expansion of the state's public distribution network. Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann handed over the licences at an event held at Vikas Bhawan in Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar.

According to the state government, the additional depots are expected to benefit nearly 5.5 lakh ration cardholders by making monthly ration supplies available closer to their homes. The government said the expansion would particularly help beneficiaries who currently travel long distances or take time off work to collect foodgrains.

Addressing the newly selected depot holders, Mann said they would serve as a link between the government and beneficia...