Maryam Nawaz Ration Card Program
Punjab’s labour force is set to receive a significant financial boost, as Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has approved an expanded phase of the Ration Card Program for registered workers across the province. This initiative, aimed at easing the burden of daily essentials for the working class, has already delivered billions of rupees in relief and is now being scaled up further for the 2026-27 financial year.
Rs. 28 Billion Already Disbursed to Workers
According to official figures, 1.2 million registered workers in Punjab have so far received a combined Rs. 28 billion through the Maryam Nawaz Ration Card scheme. This support allows labourers to purchase essential household items at subsidised rates, directly reducing their monthly expenses.
New Allocation: Rs. 43.2 Billion for 2026-27
Building on this progress, the Chief Minister has announced an additional Rs. 43.2 billion to be distributed to registered workers through ration cards during the current fiscal year. This marks one of the largest single-year allocations under the program since its launch.
Registered Workers Cross the 1.4 Million Mark
The scheme has also seen a sharp rise in worker registrations. Official data shows:
- 1,403,063 workers are now registered under the program, a record high for Punjab
- 1,244,130 workers have already received their Maryam Nawaz Ration Cards
- 4,984 cards are currently in the printing process and will be issued soon
- Over 100,000 additional workers are separately benefiting from related rashan card support
Also read: PECTAA Class 5th and 8th Registration: B-Form Number Now Mandatory for All Students
How Workers Are Using the Rahsan Cards
Cardholders are not limited to a fixed list of items. Registered workers can shop for groceries and essentials worth Rs. 32,000 per month, using their cards at more than 62,000 partner shops located across Punjab. This wide retail network makes the program accessible even in smaller towns and rural areas, not just major cities.
Government Push to Expand Registration Further
During a review meeting chaired by CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif, Labour Minister Malik Nasir Manshaullah Butt and Secretary Danish Afzal briefed the Chief Minister on the program’s progress. Following the briefing, the Chief Minister directed authorities to further increase the number of registered workers, ensuring that more labourers across the province are brought into the safety net.
Speaking on the initiative, CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif stated that she considers the financial security of every labourer and worker a personal responsibility, and confirmed that the scope of the ration card project would continue to expand in the coming months.
Also read: Punjab Rahmat Card Program: Rs. 150,000 Relief for Widows & Orphans
Why This Program Matters for Punjab’s Labour Force
With inflation continuing to affect household budgets, programs like this provide direct, practical relief to workers who form the backbone of Punjab’s economy. By linking cash support to a wide retail network and pushing for higher registration numbers, the provincial government aims to make this one of the most far-reaching worker welfare schemes in the region.
FAQs
Q1: How much money has been given to workers under the Maryam Nawaz Ration Card program so far?
A total of Rs. 28 billion has been disbursed to 1.2 million registered workers to date.
Q2: How much additional funding has been approved for 2026-27?
An additional Rs. 43.2 billion has been approved for registered workers this financial year.
Q3: How many workers are currently registered under the program?
As of the latest update, 1,403,063 workers are registered, with 1,244,130 already having received their cards.
Q4: How much can a worker spend using the ration card?
Registered workers can purchase essential items worth up to Rs. 32,000 per month.
Q5: Where can the ration card be used?
The card is accepted at over 62,000 shops located across Punjab province.