Punjab govt to introduce Himat & Nigheban Cards

LAHORE: The Punjab government has decided to introduce two new cards, ‘Himat and Nigheban’, to provide assistance to the special people across the province.

These cards include the ‘Himat Card’ for special persons and the ‘Nigehban Card’ under the Bait-ul-Mal program in Punjab.

A meeting was called regarding the implementation of this initiative, in which important officials like Senior Provincial Minister Maryam Aurangzeb, Senator Pervez Rasheed, Provincial Minister for Social Welfare and Treasury Sohail Shaukat Butt, Member Provincial Assembly (MPA) Sania, and other concerned officials attended.

In the meeting, a comprehensive briefing was given to the Punjab Chief Minister, Maryam Nawaz, about the activities and initiatives of the Department of Social Welfare and Bait-ul-Mal.

In an important development, the meeting gave preliminary approval for digitization of the department.

Maryam Nawaz has been directed to compile accurate data related to disabled people. ‘Himat Cards’ and ‘Negheban Cards’ will be launched specifically for those who are able to work despite their disability.

Additionally, a loan scheme is underway to facilitate the needy, along with the provision of wheelchairs and other necessary assistive devices to the disabled community.

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“Special individuals will be given loans of Rs 1 to 2 lakh for financial freedom,” the CM said.

In the meeting, the activation of Skills Development Centers in Lahore, Multan, and Faisalabad, as well as their establishment in other districts, were discussed.

He also discussed auditing non-governmental organizations (NGOs) working for the disabled and implementing drug rehabilitation programs in each division.