Punjab launches digital ration card scheme for low-income families

The Punjab government has launched a new Ration Card Program aimed at providing financial relief to low-income families across the

The Punjab government has launched a new Ration Card Program aimed at providing financial relief to low-income families across the province. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz announced the initiative, which will give eligible households Rs. 3,000 per month through a digital smart card. The card can be used at authorized grocery shops and utility stores to purchase essential food items, ensuring families can meet their basic needs without relying on loans or external support.

The first phase of the program will see the distribution of 150,000 ration cards. The government has emphasized that the digital system will help maintain transparency and efficiency, ensuring that aid reaches the right people. By directly providing financial support, the program aims to minimize misuse and prevent corruption.

Officials have said the program will initially focus on industrial workers and daily wage earners who face the most difficulty in affording essential groceries. The digital smart card allows these families to buy food items directly from registered stores, giving them greater flexibility and independence.

To be eligible, applicants must be registered in the Punjab Social and Economic Registry (PSER) and possess a valid CNIC linked to an active mobile number. Families must have a monthly household income of less than Rs. 50,000, a Poverty Means Test (PMT) score below 35,and should not hold government jobs or receive benefits from the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP). Only one applicant per household is allowed, and the program targets non-tax filers and households without property ownership.

Applications can be submitted online through the PSER portal, or applicants can visit their local Union Council office or the nearest e-Khidmat Center for assistance. Officials hope that the scheme will help families better cope with rising living costs and improve access to essential food items.