CM Punjab Ration Card (Rashan Card) – Complete Guide 2025

The Punjab government has started a new plan to help poor families buy food. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz announced the Punjab Ration Card Program in April 2025. This program gives money to families who cannot afford basic groceries. The goal is to support 1.25 million families across Punjab.

Starting July 2025, families will get monthly financial help to buy food items. Each family will receive a special card. With this card, they can purchase flour, rice, sugar, and other household groceries from selected stores.

This program is part of the government’s larger plan to fight inflation and poverty. It is a big step to reduce hunger and help people who are struggling to buy everyday items. Check BISP 8171 Web Portal Payment Delay Reasons 2025.

What is the Punjab Ration Card Program?

The Punjab Ration Card Program, also called the Rashan Card Scheme, is a welfare plan. It is for poor families who need help buying food. The government gives each selected family Rs. 3,000 every month. The money is for buying groceries and kitchen essentials.

This plan helps families buy food with dignity. There is no need to stand in long lines or feel embarrassed. The support comes through a digital smart card.

پنجاب حکومت نے وزیراعلیٰ مریم نواز کی سربراہی میں راشن کارڈ پروگرام 2025 شروع کیا ہے۔ اس پروگرام کا مقصد غریب اور کم آمدنی والے خاندانوں کو ہر مہینے 3,000 روپے مالی امداد دینا ہے تاکہ وہ آسانی سے آٹا، چینی، چاول اور دیگر ضروری اشیاء خرید سکیں۔ اس اسکیم کا اعلان 29 اپریل 2025 کو ہوا اور مالی امداد جولائی 2025 سے دی جائے گی۔

پہلے مرحلے میں 12 لاکھ 50 ہزار خاندان اس سے فائدہ اٹھائیں گے۔ یہ کارڈ صرف پنجاب کے مستقل رہائشیوں کے لیے ہے اور وہ لوگ جو پہلے نگہبان پروگرام میں رجسٹرڈ ہیں انہیں دوبارہ اپلائی کرنے کی ضرورت نہیں۔ دیگر افراد PSER سروے میں رجسٹریشن کے بعد درخواست دے سکتے ہیں۔

راشن کارڈ استعمال کر کے آپ یوٹیلٹی اسٹورز اور سرکاری طور پر منظور شدہ کریانہ اسٹورز سے ضروری سامان خرید سکتے ہیں۔ اس پروگرام کا مقصد غربت کم کرنا، خوراک کی کمی سے بچاؤ اور معاشرتی تحفظ فراہم کرنا ہے۔ درخواست دینے کے لیے اصل شناختی کارڈ، رجسٹرڈ موبائل نمبر، آمدنی کا ثبوت اور رہائش کا ثبوت درکار ہوگا۔

یہ پروگرام غریب خاندانوں کے لیے امید کی ایک نئی کرن ہے، جو مہنگائی کے اس دور میں انہیں سہارا فراہم کرے گا۔

Main Details

Feature	Details
Program Name	Punjab Ration/Rashan Card Program
Announced By	CM Punjab Maryam Nawaz
Launch Date	April 29, 2025
Monthly Help	Rs. 3,000 per family
Card Type	Digital Smart Card
Total Beneficiaries	1.25 million families
Area Covered	All of Punjab, Pakistan
Items Covered	All main household groceries
Managed By	JS Bank
Aid Starts From	July 1, 2025
Special Focus	40,000 mine workers included
Program Budget	Rs. 40 billion

Core Objectives

• Give direct monthly help to low-income families.
• Help families manage their daily grocery costs.
• Fight hunger and reduce malnutrition in Punjab.
• Build a safety net for the poorest people.

Key Benefits

• Rs. 3,000 every month: For groceries and daily kitchen needs.
• No more queues: The process is digital. No need to wait in line.
• Wide acceptance: Card can be used at all utility stores and registered grocery shops.
• Subsidized items: Special discounts on flour, sugar, ghee, and other essentials.
• Secure and transparent: The smart card system is safe and easy to use.

Eligibility Criteria

To get the Punjab Rashan Card, you must meet the following conditions:

• Must be a permanent resident of Punjab.
• Must be registered in the Punjab Socio-Economic Registry (PSER) survey.
• Family income should be less than Rs. 50,000 per month.
• Proxy Means Test (PMT) score must be below 35.
• Should not be a government employee.
• Must have a valid CNIC from NADRA.
• Mobile number must be registered under your own CNIC.
• Only one member per family can apply.
• Families getting Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) aid are not eligible.
• Both men and women from qualified families can apply.

Tip: If you are already registered under the Nigehban Ramadan Package, you do not need to apply again. You will get the Rashan Card automatically.

Required Documents

• Computerized CNIC (must be from Punjab).
• Registered mobile number (same as your CNIC).
• Proof of Punjab domicile (domicile certificate or utility bill).
• Recent passport-size photographs.
• Proof of income (showing income less than Rs. 50,000).
• Latest utility bill (electricity, gas, or water).
• All original documents for verification.

How to Apply for Punjab Ration Card

If registered in Nigehban Program:
You do not need to apply again. Your data is already with the government.

If not registered in Nigehban Program:
Follow these steps when the application opens:

Step-by-Step Method (Expected Online)

1. Access PSER Portal:
   Go to the official PSER portal and click on the “Apply” button.
2. Register on Portal:
   Fill in your name, address, mobile number, and email to make an account.
3. Start Application:
   Log in, then begin a new application. Fill in details about the family head, including CNIC, birth date, gender, income, assets, and address.
4. Submit Application:
   Double-check all information. Then submit your form for review.
5. Track Your Status:
   Send your 13-digit CNIC (no spaces) to 8123 via SMS. You’ll get a reply with your application status.

Expected Offline Method

• Visit your nearest Union Council office or Khidmat Markaz.
• Take your original CNIC and registered mobile number.
• Official staff will help fill out and submit your form.
• This service is free. Do not pay anyone.

What Happens After Applying?

• Government reviews and checks your application.
• If approved, you get a confirmation SMS.
• Your digital card is issued.
• Rs. 3,000 is added to your card every month.
• Use the card at registered grocery stores and utility stores to buy essentials.

Tip: Keep your mobile number active. Check your status online or through SMS regularly.

Where to Use the Punjab Rashan Card?

You can use the card at:

• Utility Stores Corporation of Pakistan
• Registered local grocery (Karyana) shops
• Ehsas Rashan Centers

Look for government banners, stickers, or QR codes at shops.

Important Guidelines

• Always give correct information. Wrong details may lead to rejection.
• Check everything before submitting.
• Only use official government websites or offices.
• Application is free. Do not pay for the form.
• Stay updated with official sources.

FAQs

When does the program start?
Aid starts from July 1, 2025.

How many family members can apply?
Only one person from each family can apply.

Is there any fee for registration?
No, the process is completely free.

Can non-Punjab residents apply?
No, only Punjab residents can apply.

Is PSER survey registration needed?
Yes, you must be registered in the PSER database.

Where can the card be used?
At utility stores, registered grocery shops, and Ehsas Rashan Centers.

Conclusion

The CM Punjab Ration Card is a lifeline for poor families in Punjab. It helps them buy groceries every month and reduces the burden of rising prices. Announced by CM Maryam Nawaz, the program targets 1.25 million families. If you qualify, prepare your documents and apply when the portal opens. Stay updated with the latest news and use only official channels to apply.

This program brings real hope to Punjab’s low-income families. If you meet the criteria, don’t miss this opportunity for support.