Punjab govt approves 47 billion Ramadan packages for needy

LAHORE: The government of Punjab has approved a relief package worth Rs 47 billion for Ramadan, which will provide financial aid to low-income families.

The relief package will distribute Nigehban Cards to 42 million households, which will receive direct financial support. The chief minister, Maryam Nawaz Sharif, held a high-level meeting to assess Ramadan arrangements and public relief efforts throughout the province.

The package will provide 10,000 rupees to 42 lakh deserving families, which will benefit about one crore people. The Ramadan Nigehban Card will provide financial support to recipients.

The chief minister sanctioned the CM Rashan Card, Nigehban Dastarkhwan, and Sasta Bazaars and their administrative functions because they formed part of the complete Ramadan relief program.

The officials announced that beneficiaries would receive their assistance without needing to go to government offices. District administrations will go door to door to deliver Nigehban Cards in every area they serve.

Cardholders can use Bank of Punjab branchless banking agents and One Link network ATMs to withdraw cash. Nigehban Card holders can make purchases at authorized Bank of Punjab merchant locations.

Punjab will establish 136 activation centres to handle card activation throughout the province. Bank of Punjab ATMs provide a second method for activating cards.

All ration card holders across Punjab will receive a Ramadan payment of Rs 10,000, which replaces their previous monthly payment of Rs 3 000. The Ramadan food initiative will establish eight Nigehban Dastarkhwan locations named “Maryam Ke Mehman,” which will operate in every tehsil. Each