Govt Expands Ration Card Scheme
In a significant move to ease the burden of rising inflation, the Punjab Government has expanded its Ration Card Scheme in October 2025, extending financial relief to millions of middle-class families across the province. Spearheaded by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, the initiative now covers a wider population segment and doubles the program’s original budget, a clear step toward fighting food insecurity and poverty in Punjab.
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Background of the Ration Card Scheme
The Punjab Ration Card Scheme was launched earlier in 2025 with a budget of Rs. 40 billion, targeting 1.25 million low-income and industrial worker families. These families received monthly financial assistance to meet their basic kitchen expenses, especially at a time when food prices have been surging due to inflation.
The program aims to reduce economic pressure on the most vulnerable sections of society, particularly registered industrial workers, daily wage earners, and underprivileged households.
October 2025 Expansion: What’s New?
In October 2025, the Punjab government announced a major expansion of the scheme. With an additional Rs. 40 billion injected into the program, the total budget now stands at Rs. 80 billion.
This expansion brings in 1.5 to 2 million middle-class families from across all districts of Punjab. These families, although not the poorest, have been significantly affected by inflation and rising living costs.
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Main Objectives of the Scheme
- Provide monthly financial aid for essential food items.
- Support low-income and middle-class families struggling with inflation.
Ensure food security for vulnerable communities. - Promote digital transparency and reduce manual intervention in welfare distribution.
- Help reduce poverty and hunger across Punjab.
Key Features and Benefits
Monthly Financial Aid
Eligible families will receive Rs. 3,000 per month to buy essential grocery items.
Digital Smart Card System
Each registered family receives a digital smart card that is:
- Secure
- Easy to use
- Pre-loaded with monthly funds
- Usable at utility stores and registered “karyana” (grocery) shops
Discounts on Kitchen Essentials
Cardholders get discounts on essential items like:
- Flour Atta
- Rice
- Sugar
- Ghee
- Cooking oil
- And other daily-use grocery items
No Queues, No Hassle
Unlike traditional ration systems, this card-based solution avoids long queues and paperwork.
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Summary Table: Punjab Ration Card Scheme Expansion 2025
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Program Launch | 2025 (initial phase) |
| Initial Budget | Rs. 40 billion |
| Expansion Budget | Additional Rs. 40 billion |
| Total Budget | Rs. 80 billion |
| Beneficiaries | 1.25 million low-income families + 1.5-2 million middle-class families |
| Monthly Aid Amount | Rs. 3,000 per family |
| Disbursement Method | Digital Smart Card |
| Use of Funds | Grocery stores, utility stores for essential items |
| Key Eligible Criteria | Punjab resident, income < Rs. 50,000, PMT score < 35, no govt employees |
| How to Apply | Online via PSER portal or offline at e-Khidmat Markaz/Union Council |
| Objective | Support low and middle-income families; fight inflation and hunger |
Eligibility Criteria
To ensure transparency, the government has set strict criteria for who can benefit from the scheme:
- Must be a permanent resident of Punjab
- Must be registered with Punjab Socio-Economic Registry (PSER)
- Monthly household income should be less than Rs. 50,000
- Must not be a government employee
- PMT Score Proxy Means Test should be below 35
- Valid CNIC and mobile number
- Not currently receiving support from BISP (Benazir Income Support Program)
- Not a tax filer
- Must not own personal property or a house
- Only one applicant per family can apply
How to Apply for the Punjab Ration Card Scheme
You can apply through two easy methods:
Online Registration
- Visit the Punjab Socio-Economic Registry (PSER) portal.
- Fill in your CNIC, mobile number, and income details.
- Submit the application online.
Offline Registration
- Visit your nearest e-Khidmat Markaz or Union Council Office.
- Carry original CNIC and relevant documents.
- Staff will assist you in completing the application process.
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Impact of the Scheme
With over 3 million families now covered under the scheme, the Punjab government has taken a bold and inclusive step toward ensuring economic stability and social welfare for its people. This is one of the largest food support programs ever launched in the province, targeting both the poor and the middle class — a segment often overlooked in welfare policies.
By introducing digital transparency, this program sets a strong precedent for other provinces and future national-level relief efforts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the Punjab Ration Card Scheme?
Anyone who is a permanent resident of Punjab, with a monthly income under Rs. 50,000, not working in government, and registered under PSER may be eligible.
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How much financial aid is provided?
Each eligible family receives Rs. 3,000 per month through a digital smart card, usable for grocery shopping at selected stores.
Where can I use the ration card?
The smart card can be used at utility stores and registered local grocery shops that are part of the program.
Can government employees apply?
No. Government employees are not eligible for this scheme.
What is the PMT Score?
PMT stands for Proxy Means Test, which is a score used to determine the financial status of families. To qualify, your PMT score must be below 35.
How can I apply?
You can apply:
- Online via the Punjab Socio-Economic Registry portal.
- Offline at your nearest e-Khidmat Markaz or Union Council office.
Is this program only for the poor?
Originally it was for low-income families, but now it has been expanded to support middle-class families as well.
Final Words
The expansion of the Punjab Ration Card Scheme 2025 is a much-needed relief for countless families affected by inflation and economic stress. By doubling the budget and extending support to the middle class, the Punjab Government under CM Maryam Nawaz has demonstrated a people-centric approach that prioritizes basic needs, dignity, and accessibility.
With its digital system and wide coverage, this initiative is not only impactful but also a model for efficient social welfare in the 21st century.
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