The Punjab government has launched a major subsidy initiative aimed at supporting 1.2 million low-income families through a new ration card scheme, announced by Labour Minister Malik Faisal Ayub Khokhar.
Addressing a press conference, the minister described the programme as the province’s largest-ever welfare effort, designed to assist the labour class with essential food needs. Under the scheme, each eligible family will receive a monthly subsidy of Rs3,000.
The distribution will begin district by district, starting with Bahawalpur, Muzaffargarh, Jhang, DG Khan, Rawalpindi, Kasur, and Lahore. New districts will be added progressively each month, with the full rollout expected to be completed within five to six months.
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The project is a joint effort involving the Labour Department, the Bank of Punjab, Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB), and other relevant agencies. Daily monitoring will be conducted to ensure transparency, with strict measures in place to prevent any misuse or illegal deductions.
Alongside the ration card programme, the minister announced additional welfare steps. These include the upgrading of social security hospitals with new medical equipment, the introduction of double shifts at all medical facilities, and enhancements to daycare centres across the province.
He also confirmed the province-wide enforcement of the minimum wage policy, ensuring a monthly wage of Rs40,000 for workers.