Punjab has rolled out a massive welfare program, delivering ration cards to 1.5 million workers’ households to ease financial burdens. Spearheaded by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, this initiative provides monthly support of Rs 3,000 for laborers to buy essential groceries.
A Lifeline for Workers
The Maryam Nawaz Ration Card Program, launched in April 2025, targets low-income workers, including daily wage earners, industrial workers, and miners across Punjab. The scheme aims to combat rising inflation by ensuring families can afford staples like flour, sugar, and cooking oil. Distribution began in districts like Lahore, Multan, Sahiwal, and Kasur in July 2025, with plans to cover all of Punjab within six months.
The program uses the ‘JS Bank Zindagi’ card, a digital payment system offering 13 additional benefits, including advance salary options, insurance coverage, and transfer services. This ensures transparency and convenience for beneficiaries.
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How the Program Works
Eligible workers, registered with the Punjab Social Security Department, receive Rs 3,000 monthly to purchase groceries from local stores. The initiative, with a budget of Rs 40 billion, prioritizes transparency through daily monitoring of registrations and card distribution.
To qualify, applicants must:
- Be registered laborers in Punjab.
- Have a household income below Rs 50,000 monthly.
- Hold a valid CNIC and registered mobile number.
- Not be enrolled in other major welfare programs like BISP.
Applications are processed via the Punjab Socio-Economic Registry (PSER) portal at pser.punjab.gov.pk, with a deadline of June 31, 2025. Beneficiaries can check their application status online using their CNIC.
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Broader Welfare Efforts
The ration card scheme is part of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s broader vision for worker welfare. Alongside this, the Punjab government has launched initiatives like:
- Social Security Hospitals in Sargodha, Kasur, and Rahim Yar Khan.
- A 200-bed Cardiac City for laborers.
- Teleclinics for remote healthcare access.
- 300 new daycare centers for working women.
During the launch at Lahore’s Expo Centre, Maryam Nawaz emphasized the dignity of workers, stating, “Laborers are the backbone of our progress. They deserve support, not charity.” She also highlighted her government’s commitment to enforcing a minimum wage of Rs 37,000 across Punjab.
Public Response and Next Steps
The initiative has sparked discussions on X, with some praising the relief it offers. One user noted, “Ration cards are reaching workers’ homes with respect and dignity. Thank you, Maryam Nawaz!” However, others question its long-term impact, arguing it’s a short-term fix.
The Punjab government plans to expand the program, ensuring all eligible workers are covered by early 2026. Officials urge applicants to complete their PSER survey promptly to avoid missing the June 31, 2025, deadline. For more details, visit pser.punjab.gov.pk.
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