Punjab Govt Launches Rs40 Billion Ration Card Program: Complete Application Process and Requirements

The Punjab government, led by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, launched the Ration Card Program worth PKR 40 billion on April 29, 2025, to support 1.25 million deserving families, including laborers and low-income households. This landmark welfare initiative aims to ease financial burdens by providing monthly subsidies and a 20% discount on essential groceries. Starting June 1, 2025, registered workers will receive PKR 30,000 monthly assistance through ration cards, benefiting over 8.4 million dependents. Here’s everything you need to know about the program, including how to apply, eligibility criteria, and required documents .

Program Highlights

• Budget: PKR 40 billion allocated to support 1.25 million families.
• Beneficiaries: 12 lakh workers and 84 lakh dependents, including 40,000 miners and mineral workers.
• Benefits: Monthly subsidy of up to PKR 3,000 per family, 20% discount on essentials like flour, ghee, sugar, rice, and pulses at registered utility stores and kiryana shops.
• Start Date: Payments begin June 1, 2025, via digital ration cards linked to CNIC.
• Purpose: To reduce food insecurity and support low-income families during economic challenges .

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the Punjab Ration Card Program, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Residency: Must be a permanent resident of Punjab with a valid CNIC.
• Income: Family income below PKR 50,000 per month.
• Priority Groups:
  • Registered laborers, landless workers, widows, or families without property.
  • Families already enrolled in the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) or National Socio-Economic Registry (NSER).
  • Beneficiaries of the Nigehban Ramzan Package are automatically eligible.
• Tax Status: Applicants must be non-filers and not registered as taxpayers.
• No Prior Ration Card: No existing ration card under the applicant’s name in Punjab.

Required Documents

To apply, gather these documents:

• Valid CNIC of the family head.
• Passport-size photograph of the applicant.
• Proof of income (e.g., salary slip, affidavit for informal workers).
• Proof of residence (e.g., utility bill, rent agreement).
• Bank account details for subsidy transfers.
• Optional: BISP/NSER registration proof or disability certificate for priority consideration.

How to Apply for the Punjab Ration Card

The Punjab government has outlined both online and offline registration methods, with official details to be confirmed by April 29, 2025. Registration begins on May 1, 2025, primarily through the Punjab Social & Economic Registry (PSER) portal. Here’s the step-by-step process:

Online Application

1. Visit the PSER Portal:
   • Go to pser.punjab.gov.pk (portal to be activated by May 1, 2025).
2. Create an Account:
   • Enter your name, CNIC number, mobile number, email, and set a password.
3. Fill the Application Form:
   • Provide details: family head’s name, gender, date of birth, marital status, and job status.
   • Add family members’ details (name, CNIC, etc.).
   • Enter address: division, district, tehsil, village/city, and post office.
   • Answer housing questions (e.g., own/rent, property details).
4. Submit Documents:
   • Upload scanned copies of CNIC, photo, income proof, and residence proof.
5. Verify and Submit:
   • Review details, enter the captcha code, and submit.
   • Note the reference number to track status.
6. Check Status:
   • Return to the PSER portal, enter your CNIC and reference number to view approval status.

SMS Registration (Alternative)

• Send your 13-digit CNIC number (e.g., 3510112345671) to 8123 from a SIM registered with your CNIC.
• Receive a confirmation SMS with instructions or a registration code.
• Follow prompts to complete registration, if applicable.

Offline Application

• Visit a Sewa Kendra, Taluk office, or Food and Civil Supplies Department branch.
• Obtain the Punjab Ration Card application form.
• Fill in details: family head’s name, CNIC, income, address, and family members.
• Attach photocopies of required documents.
• Submit to the office and collect an acknowledgment slip with a reference number.
• The card will be issued within 15–20 days after verification.

Note for Nigehban Ramzan Package Beneficiaries

• Families who received the Nigehban Ramzan Package are automatically enrolled and don’t need to reapply. Check status via PSER or SMS to confirm.

Application Process Timeline

• Registration Opens: May 1, 2025.
• Verification: Applications processed within 15–20 days.
• Card Issuance: Digital ration cards linked to CNIC issued by late May 2025.
• Payments Start: June 1, 2025, via bank accounts or authorized outlets.

How to Use the Ration Card

• Digital Card: Your CNIC serves as the ration card, verified via biometric at registered shops.
• Subsidized Items: Buy flour, ghee, sugar, rice, and pulses at 20% off, up to a PKR 3,000 monthly subsidy.
• Outlets: Use at utility stores, kiryana shops, or PDS centers across Punjab.
• Payment Collection: Subsidies are credited to bank accounts or accessible via HBL/Bank Alfalah ATMs.

Avoiding Scams

• Official Channels: Use only pser.punjab.gov.pk or 8123 for SMS. Avoid unofficial websites or agents.
• No Fees: Registration is free. Report demands for payment to 0800-26477.
• Verify SMS: Only messages from 8123 are legitimate.

Why This Program Matters

The Ration Card Program is Punjab’s first major welfare project under CM Maryam Nawaz, targeting laborers and low-income families. Posts on X highlight public support, praising the PKR 30,000 monthly aid as a lifeline for workers. With 1.42 crore beneficiaries already under Punjab’s Smart Ration Card Scheme (NFSA), this program expands relief, ensuring doorstep delivery of subsidized wheat at PKR 2/kg. It builds on the Ehsaas Rashan Riayat Program, reinforcing Punjab’s commitment to food security.

For updates, visit ehsaas.punjab.gov.pk or foodsuppb.gov.in. Register by May 1, 2025, to access this vital support!