The Punjab government has approved a Rs47 billion Ramadan relief package to provide direct financial assistance to 4.2 million low income families across province wide.
The decision was taken during a high level meeting chaired by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif to review Ramadan preparations and relief measures across Punjab.
Under the plan Rs10,000 will be given to 42 lakh deserving families through Ramadan Nigehban Cards benefiting nearly one crore people across the province wide.
The chief minister also approved CM Rashan Card Nigehban Dastarkhwan Sasta Bazaars and administrative arrangements as part of the broader Ramadan relief plan across Punjab.
Officials said beneficiaries will not need to visit government offices as district administrations will distribute Nigehban Cards door to door in their respective areas statewide.
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Cardholders can withdraw cash through Bank of Punjab branchless banking agents One Link ATMs and make purchases at designated outlets using the Nigehban Card system.
A total of 136 activation centres will be established across Punjab while ration card holders receive Rs10,000 instead of Rs3,000 during the holy month Ramadan.
As part of the food initiative eight Nigehban Dastarkhwan titled Maryam Ke Mehman will be set up in every tehsil across the province during Ramadan.
Each Dastarkhwan will provide iftar to 2,000 fasting individuals daily with senior officials directed to personally monitor arrangements at the district and divisional levels daily.
Authorities said Sasta Bazaars will operate across all districts with monitoring through cameras and dedicated stalls ensuring uninterrupted supply of essential food items during Ramadan.
