Nawanshahr:- Deputy Commissioner Gulpreet Singh Aulakh today informed the general public that as per the announcement made by Chief Minister Punjab Bhagwant Singh Mann and the decision of the Punjab Government, online applications are being invited for issuance of new ration cards and inclusion of names of members in existing ration cards under the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013 and Smart Ration Card Scheme.
The Deputy Commissioner said that this initiative has been started to ensure coverage of all eligible families and beneficiaries through a transparent, fair and technology-based process. He informed that the application forms can be downloaded from the website of the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department in both English and Punjabi languages.
The applicants have been advised to read the instructions carefully before filling the form and submit it with all the necessary supporting documents. Mr. Aulakh said that applicants can submit their applications online by paying a processing fee of Rs. 100 per application through their nearest Sewa Kendra or Common Service Centre (CSC). Alternatively, applicants can also submit their applications free of cost through the online portal https://ercms.punjab.gov.in.
Applications can also be submitted in physical form with a processing fee of Rs. 100 in the office of the concerned District Controller, Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs. The Deputy Commissioner further informed that applications will be accepted from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM on all working days from July 22 to August 11, 2026.
After successful submission of the online application, applicants will receive a receipt message and receipt number on their registered mobile number. He appealed to all eligible residents to avail this opportunity within the stipulated time. For any assistance or further information, applicants may contact the District Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Office or their nearest Service Center/CSC.