Punjab Chief Minister (CM), Maryam Nawaz Sharif on Monday said that over 1.6 million people have benefited from social protection initiatives including the Ration Card, Himmat Card and Minority Card program in a short span of time.
She was chairing a special meeting to review the performance of the Social Welfare and Baitul Maal Department, where Secretary Saira Omar briefed the participants on ongoing schemes and future targets.
Officials said more than 100,000 special persons had received financial assistance under the Himmat Card program with the number of beneficiaries set to rise to 200,000 during the current fiscal year.
Meanwhile, over 1.4 million people across Punjab were receiving monthly financial assistance through the Ration Card scheme and it was decided to include an additional 50,000 individuals under the “Maryam Ko Batain” initiative.
The meeting was further informed that under the Minority Card program, 100,000 underprivileged minority citizens were receiving Rs.10,500 on a quarterly basis.
Over 16,000 persons have also been provided wheelchairs and assistive devices under a disability support program.
Reviewing welfare initiatives, CM was told that 5,000 collective marriage ceremonies have been organized under the “Dhee Rani” program so far.
She directed authorities to achieve the target of 9,000 ceremonies and expand outreach to more deserving families.
She also directed provision of proper maintenance facilities for wheelchairs and assistive devices, establishment of orphanages for unattended minors and engagement of credible NGOs for women and children welfare.
Officials said a dedicated helpline (1737) would soon be launched, while a decision was taken to collect and map data of beggars across Punjab.
The CM also ordered digitalisation of Zakat-based medicine distribution and called for private sector involvement in revamping Sanatzar centers.
CM Maryam Nawaz said the government’s priority was welfare of low-income groups, adding that the Social Welfare Department would be made more public-friendly on the European model.