Explore the CM Maryam Nawaz Ration Card Scheme 2025—Pakistan’s largest labour relief program offering Rs. 3,000 monthly subsidy, smart bank cards, and 13 additional benefits for registered workers and miners in Punjab
In a groundbreaking initiative to uplift the working class, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has launched the largest ration card programme in Pakistan’s history, as part of an ambitious Rs. 84 billion economic relief package for industrial workers and miners. This landmark programme aims to support thousands of deserving workers across the province by offering financial relief, food subsidies, digital access to wages, and a suite of additional benefits.
The CM Ration Card Scheme 2025 marks a significant milestone in Punjab’s social welfare efforts and is being seen as a model for worker-focused economic empowerment across South Asia.
Table of Contents
Overview of the Ration Card Programme
Launched on Labour Day 2025, the Ration Card Programme offers a monthly subsidy of Rs. 3,000 to registered workers and miners. The programme is specifically designed for individuals who are formally registered under the Punjab Social Security System.
Key Features of the Ration Card Scheme
Here are the standout features of the Punjab CM Ration Card Programme:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Monthly Subsidy | Rs. 3,000 per month for ration and essential items |
| Beneficiaries | Socially registered industrial workers and miners |
| Smart Bank Cards | For digital payments, advance salary, and reward points |
| Digital Cash Transfers | Enabled through bank cards linked to verified accounts |
| 13 Additional Benefits | Includes insurance, rewards, and more through a unified system |
| Implementation Date | Launched on May 1, 2025 (Labour Day) |
| Total Budget | Rs. 84 billion |
13 Additional Benefits for Beneficiaries
The Ration Card issued under this scheme is more than just a food subsidy tool. It is a multi-functional welfare card offering 13 unique benefits, which include:
- Food Subsidies
- Advance Salary Access
- Digital Cash Transfers
- Medical Insurance Coverage
- Accidental Insurance
- Education Support for Children
- Housing Support Options
- Utility Bill Discounts
- Access to Interest-Free Loans
- Mobile SIM & Digital Banking Integration
- Health Card Compatibility
- Special Eid & Ramadan Bonuses
- Rewards for Productivity
This approach aligns with PM Maryam Nawaz’s vision of making welfare programs digital, transparent, and inclusive.
Why This Programme Matters
The new scheme comes at a time when Pakistan’s working-class community is grappling with high inflation, rising fuel costs, and limited access to health and financial resources. The Rs. 3,000 monthly subsidy, combined with insurance and financial support, aims to:
- Relieve the financial burden of essential household expenses
- Increase disposable income
- Promote formal registration of industrial workers
- Strengthen the social safety net of the province
Eligibility Criteria
To ensure that the subsidies and benefits reach the deserving, strict eligibility criteria have been established:
Who Can Apply:
- Industrial workers registered with the Punjab Employees Social Security Institution (PESSI)
- Registered miners under government mining departments
- Residents of Punjab with a valid CNIC
- Monthly income not exceeding a certain threshold (as per official notification)
Who Cannot Apply:
- Unregistered or informal laborers
- Government employees
- Individuals already receiving similar benefits from other provinces
Required Documents for Registration
Applicants must submit the following documents to become eligible:
- Valid CNIC
- PESSI Registration Number
- Proof of employment or employment letter
- Recent salary slip or wage statement
- Mobile number linked to CNIC
- Proof of residence (utility bill, etc.)
How to Apply for the CM Maryam Nawaz Ration Card Scheme
1. Online Application via Government Portal
Visit the Punjab Social Protection Authority or PESSI website. Fill out the Ration Card Scheme registration form with your CNIC, employment details, and attach scanned documents. Submit and await SMS confirmation.
2. SMS Registration
Send your 13-digit CNIC number to 1177 or the designated SMS shortcode provided by the Labour Department.
3. In-Person Registration at Labour Facilitation Centers
Visit your nearest Labour Office, PESSI office, or Utility Store with your documents. Staff will assist in registration and biometric verification.
Smart Bank Card: The Backbone of the Scheme
One of the most advanced features of the scheme is the Smart Bank Card, introduced in partnership with local banks. This card allows:
- Direct transfer of the Rs. 3,000 monthly subsidy
- ATM access for cash withdrawals
- Biometric verification for identity and fraud prevention
- Access to other government welfare schemes
These cards are linked with the worker’s CNIC and PESSI registration, enabling a centralized welfare distribution system.
Impact on Industrial Sector
By supporting workers with monthly subsidies and financial security, this initiative is likely to:
- Improve worker productivity and morale
- Encourage employers to register workers formally
- Reduce exploitation in the labor sector
- Enhance data collection on labor demographics
- Build stronger public-private partnerships
Statements from the Leadership
Speaking at the launch event, CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif emphasized:
“The backbone of our economy is the industrial worker. This Ration Card Scheme is a token of our gratitude and a pledge that the State stands with its workforce. No laborer in Punjab will be left behind.”
This declaration solidifies the government’s intent to uplift labour-class families not just through words but concrete action.
Future Plans and Expansion
According to sources within the Punjab Labour Department, there are plans to expand the Ration Card scheme to include:
- Daily wage laborers
- Construction workers
- Sanitation staff
- Informal sector employees
Additionally, the government aims to integrate the scheme with other welfare programs such as:
- Punjab Health Card
- Ehsaas Program
- Ramzan Subsidy Schemes
- Educational Scholarships for Labour Children
Conclusion
The Ration Card Scheme by CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif is a game-changer in Pakistan’s welfare policy. It demonstrates how a well-structured, transparent, and digitalized social support program can directly benefit those who need it most — our hardworking industrial workforce. With monthly cash transfers, multiple additional benefits, and a tech-enabled infrastructure, this programme is not just about feeding families, but about empowering them.
If you are a registered worker or miner in Punjab, don’t miss the opportunity to apply and benefit from this historic social welfare initiative