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On August 14, 2026, in a program organized today under the chairmanship of Punjab Governor Gulabchand Kataria at Tagore Theatre, Chandigarh, Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan launched the Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) based Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system as the chief guest. On this occasion, Union Minister of Education and Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution and New and Renewable Energy Prahlad Joshi and Union Minister of State (Food and Public Distribution) Nimuben Jayantibhai Bambhania were present as special guests. Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that this initiative is an important step to bring transparency, security and timeliness in the Public Distribution System (PDS). He said that under the leadership and guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, there will be no compromise with the interests of farmers and the poor.

New system of transparency and trust

Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan said that through CBDC‑based DBT, payment of ration and food grains will reach the beneficiaries in a direct, secure and transparent manner. This experiment started in Chandigarh will be adopted as a nationwide model. In the new system, technical restrictions have been imposed in such a way that the beneficiary can transact only on the purchase of food grains and other essential food items so that the money is not spent in the wrong place. Additionally, beneficiaries will also get the facility of choice; Apart from wheat and rice, they will be able to choose pulses or other essential food items. Shri Chouhan praised the departmental team and officers and called it a big innovation.

Unwavering stance on the welfare of farmers

Union Minister Shivraj Singh made it clear that there will be no compromise with the interest of farmers in terms of agricultural policies and food security. All the agreements made for farmers with countries around the world were based on the concept of national interest, farmers’ interest and public interest being paramount. It is with great sadness that I have to say that the opposition has problems in this also. Citing the country’s strong reserves of wheat and paddy, he said that now India is meeting its needs and also exports when needed. Shri Chouhan said that under the leadership of the Prime Minister, transparent delivery of Kisan Samman Nidhi and other benefits will continue and the safety of farmers will remain the top priority.

Strong comment on disruption in Parliament

In the program, Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan made sharp allegations on the obstructions in the Parliament and the behavior of the opposition and said that it is necessary to maintain the dignity of democracy. He said that such disruptions are an insult to the Constitution and the democratic process and necessary decisions will be taken in the interest of the country. Shivraj Singh Chouhan stressed that debate is necessary in democracy, but disruption is unacceptable. Everyone saw the behavior of the Leader of the Opposition yesterday. Congress has insulted women all over the world by using foul language for the Prime Minister of an independent and sovereign nation.

Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana and Social Security

Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan praised the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana and said that providing free ration to more than 80 crore people is a big social security of the country. He said that this scheme is not limited to just filling the stomach; This will strengthen the families financially and the expenses can be saved and can be spent on children’s education and other needs. He said that the aim of the government is that no poor should remain hungry and there should be no shortage of food in every plate.

Benefits and new solutions of DBT

Shivraj Singh Chauhan said that benefits from DBT reach directly to the account holder, due to which intermediation and scams have reduced. He also acknowledged that there is a risk of misuse after receiving the cash, hence the technology in the CBDC‑based system has been kept such that the beneficiary’s payment is spent directly on ration/food items and misuse can be prevented. He praised the department for this technical innovation.

Described Chandigarh as a model city; call for expansion

Referring to the specialty and civic consciousness of Chandigarh, Shivraj Singh said that if this experiment started in this city is successful, it will be gradually implemented in the entire country. He told the officials to ensure expansion of the system by removing local barriers so that facilities reach every family. Praising Chandigarh, Shri Chouhan said that there is discipline, cleanliness and a sense of urban responsibility here.

Emotional appeal: Live for the country, not die

Saluting the freedom fighters, Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that we should take a pledge to live for the country and perform civic duties honestly. He appealed for “Tiranga in every house” and said that the best way to fulfill the dreams of martyrs is to work honestly and contribute to the development of the country. Shivraj Singh Chouhan also appealed to the citizens to do environmental work (like planting trees).

The government should be visible in the lives of the people.

Shivraj Singh Chouhan reiterated Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s resolve that “the government should not be visible in the files, but in the lives of the people”. He said that today’s program is the result of this thinking, where technology and policies are improving the everyday life of the common man. Shivraj Singh Chauhan said that the government under the leadership of PM Modi is making every possible effort to serve the public and in the coming days, even bigger targets will be achieved, including the target of “Lakhpati Didi”, under which it is resolved to make 6 crore rural women millionaires by 2029.