CM Maryam approves Rs4 Billion subsidy for Rashan Cards

LAHORE: The Punjab government has approved a subsidy of Rs 4 billion for the Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Rashan Card Programme, sources said.

The Punjab Social Welfare Department collected data of 9,498 citizens for the programme. Applications of 3,339 citizens will be reviewed again, while 6,159 Rashan Cards have already been issued to deserving families.

The Rashan Card will enable the beneficiary families to buy essential commodities on a day-to-day basis at subsidized rates. Registration and attestation of the scheme are going on. The scheme will bring immediate succour to the economically challenged families, officials said.

Eligibility Criteria

• Residency: Permanent resident of Punjab with a valid CNIC.
• Income: Monthly household income under PKR 50,000 (some sources mention up to 60,000).
• Poverty Score (PMT): A score below 35 (or sometimes cited as below 32).
• PSER Registration: Must be registered in the Punjab Socio-Economic Registry (PSER).
• Exclusions: Not a government employee, tax filer, or beneficiary of other major social programs like BISP.
• No Overseas Travel: Family members should not have traveled abroad for non-Hajj/Umrah trips. 

How to Apply/Check:

• Registration: Register through the PSER portal (pser.punjab.gov.pk) or at E-Khidmat Centers/Union Councils.
• Verification: Biometric verification is done during the PSER survey.
• Check Eligibility: You might check via SMS to 8123 or 8171 using your CNIC, but official registration is key.