The Government of Punjab has made a principled decision to include an additional 50,000 people in the ration card scheme.
A meeting was held under the chairpersonship of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, where discussions focused on financial assistance for those living below the poverty line.
During the briefing, it was stated that more than 1.6 million people have benefited from the ration card, Himmat Card, and Minority Card programmes. In the current fiscal year, over 1.4 million people will receive monthly financial assistance through the ration card, while more than 200,000 individuals will benefit through the Himmat Card.
The meeting also approved the inclusion of an additional 50,000 individuals in the ration card programme.
The Chief Minister directed that formal orphanages be established for abandoned children, and that assistance be sought from credible NGOs to provide welfare services for women and children, as well as cleaning and maintenance facilities for wheelchairs and other assistive devices.
Instructions were also given to involve the private sector in revamping Sanatzar centres and to digitalise the system for the provision of medicines through Zakat funds.
Maryam Nawaz stated that the government’s goal is the welfare and support of the common citizen.
She added that the Social Welfare Department in Punjab will be made more public-friendly along the lines of European countries, and that every possible step will be taken for the rehabilitation of underprivileged individuals.
