WEBDESK: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has launched the CM Punjab Ration Card 2025 to provide relief to low-income and vulnerable families across the province. The scheme is designed to ease the burden of rising inflation and high living costs by ensuring access to affordable food items.
More than 1.5 million families are expected to benefit from the programme. Each household will be able to receive either Rs 3,000 in monthly support or a quarterly grant of Rs 10,000, depending on their eligibility. Essential items including flour, sugar, rice, pulses and cooking oil will be made available at subsidised prices under the initiative.
The ration card system is fully digital, with the National Identity Card serving as the key for accessing the subsidy. Those who already took part in the Nigehban Ramzan Package 2025 will not need to reapply as their details are already recorded in the government’s system. The programme also aims to guarantee food security during periods of seasonal inflation and religious events when prices tend to rise sharply.
Ration Card 2025: Eligibility Criteria
To qualify, applicants must be permanent residents of Punjab with a household income of less than Rs50,000 a month. They must hold a valid NADRA issued CNIC and be registered, or willing to register, with the Punjab Socio-Economic Registry. Government employees and tax filers are not eligible, and only one application is allowed per family.
Ration Card 2025: How to Register?
The registration process is available both online and offline. Applicants can submit their details through the Punjab Socio-Economic Registry portal by entering their CNIC, mobile number, personal details and household income. Verification is completed by SMS, and the application status is normally updated within 15 to 20 working days. Those without internet access can register in person at their nearest E-Khidmat Markaz by providing their CNIC, proof of residence, income details and a passport-sized photograph. Staff at the centre will assist with completing the form and issue a receipt for tracking the application.
Collecting and Using the Ration Card
Application status can be checked online through the PSER portal, by SMS if the service is active, or by visiting an E-Khidmat Markaz with the tracking slip. Once an application is approved, families will be contacted by SMS or phone and informed when their ration card, linked to their CNIC, is ready for collection at their local Union Council office.
The subsidy can then be used at government utility stores, partner grocery shops and other approved outlets. No physical card is required as the CNIC itself will serve as the ration card at checkout, and discounts will be applied automatically.
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