The Punjab government has announced an additional Rs43.2 billion for the Ration Card programme to continue providing food support to registered workers across the province. The decision was approved by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif during a meeting on the welfare initiative.
According to an official statement, the provincial government had already distributed Rs28 billion to 1.2 million registered workers through the programme. The new allocation aims to expand the scheme and support more deserving families during the 2026-27 financial year.
Officials said the total number of registered workers in Punjab has now reached 1,403,063. Out of them, 1,244,130 workers have already received their Ration Card. Another 4,984 cards are currently being printed and will be distributed soon.
Under the programme, registered workers receive essential food items worth Rs3,000 per month. These items are available through a network of 62,000 shops operating across Punjab. The government says the initiative is helping workers manage rising household expenses by improving access to basic necessities.
The chief minister also approved the continuation of the Ration Card programme for the 2026-27 fiscal year. The extension is expected to ensure uninterrupted support for eligible workers throughout the coming year.
The official statement added that more than 100,000 workers associated with the Suthra Punjab programme are also benefiting from the scheme. The government considers the initiative an important part of its broader social welfare efforts.
During the review meeting, Maryam Nawaz instructed officials to increase the number of registered workers. She directed the relevant departments to improve registration efforts so that more eligible labourers could benefit from the programme.
The chief minister said protecting the financial well-being of labourers and workers remains a top priority for the provincial government. She emphasized that expanding welfare programmes would help improve the living conditions of low-income families.
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The Punjab government continues to focus on providing financial relief through social protection initiatives. Officials believe the expanded funding and wider coverage of the Ration Card programme will strengthen support for workers and ensure more families receive essential food assistance in the coming months.
