KP govt launches welfare scheme for widows, orphans & poor couples

PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has announced the launch of a comprehensive scheme aimed at providing special allowances to widows and poor women as well as orphans and needy children, here on Tuesday.

As per the details, the initiative, planned by the Social Welfare Department, is set to provide much-needed assistance to vulnerable groups across the province.

In addition to the allowance programme, the government has also decided to hold state-sponsored mass marriages for poor couples. According to sources, the provincial government has prepared a scheme to provide a monthly allowance of Rs 50,000. Orphans and children up to the age of 16 will get Rs 5,000. Moreover, 16,000 widows above the age of 45 will be provided special allowances in the form of ration.

These measures have been developed in collaboration with the Social Welfare Department and Zakat Committees. For the first time, the government will also provide electric wheelchairs to the disabled. The scheme will initially be launched for government employees and university students, with 1,500 disabled people across the province benefiting from electric wheelchairs.

Sources also revealed that the provincial government has planned a programme for mass marriages of poor couples, spending Rs 2,000. 200,000 per couple was provided. In addition, the government will meet the expenses of the wedding reception, including food, and arrange for pick-up and drop-off services for the ceremonies.

The initiative will be administered through Zakat committees and online applications, with special focus on poor and extremely vulnerable couples. The government has also directed Zakat committees to nominate eligible widows and orphans, ensuring that their applications are reviewed as part of the process.

In a related development, the first Senior Citizens Home for elderly residents is being set up in Pachgi, where free food, evening tea, breakfast and other essential services will be provided to citizens above 58 years of age. Additionally, a Senior Citizens Club will soon be opened in Nothia to offer more support and community activities for the elderly.

Provincial Minister for Social Welfare Qasim Ali Shah confirmed that these programmes for the backward and underprivileged sectors are in the final stages of preparation. He stressed that the government is committed to improving the lives of vulnerable groups, especially widows, orphans and the disabled, through these targeted welfare initiatives.

These initiatives reflect the ongoing efforts of the KP government to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for its citizens, especially those facing hardships.