More than 1.6 million people have benefited from the Ration Card, Himmat Card and Minority Card under Punjab Social Protection Programme, claimed Punjab government.
According to details, over 100,000 special persons have received financial assistance through the Chief Minister Punjab Himmat Card. The government said it will provide support to 0.2 million individuals under the programme during the current fiscal year. More than 1.4 million people are receiving monthly financial assistance through the Ration Card across Punjab.
A meeting held under chair of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz reviewed on Monday ongoing initiatives of the Social Welfare and Baitul Maal Department. Secretary Social Welfare and Baitul Maal Saira Omar gave a detailed briefing. The meeting decided to include an additional 50,000 individuals in the Ration Card programme through the “Maryam Ko Batain” initiative.
Under the Minority Card, one lakh underprivileged minority individuals are receiving Rs10,500 on a quarterly basis. Additionally, the department provided with wheelchairs and 16 types of assistive devices under a special programme to over 16,000 individuals.
Under the “Dhee Rani” programme, the department organized 5,000 collective marriage ceremonies so far. The chief minister directed authorities to achieve the target of 9,000 ceremonies and include more families in the programme.
CM Punjab also directed that facilities for cleaning and maintenance of wheelchairs and other assistive devices be ensured. And ordered the establishment of proper orphanages for unattended minors. She further instructed that the department should engage credible NGOs for the welfare of women and children.
Social Welfare Department Punjab will establish dedicated helpline, 1737 and collect data and map data of beggars across the province.
The chief minister directed the digitalisation of the system for provision of medicines through Zakat funds. She also instructed the inclusion of the private sector for revamping Sanatzar, along with branding and collaboration for Sanatzar display centres. Maryam Nawaz vowed to develop the Social Welfare Department as public-friendly on the model of European countries.
