Before the arrival of Ramadan, the Punjab government has taken a major welfare step to save the poor and white-clad classes from the burden of inflation and introduced the “Ramadan Nigahban Package”, which is being described as the largest social relief program in the history of the province.
After the approval of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, Rs 47 billion has been allocated for this scheme. According to officials, direct financial assistance will be provided to lakhs of families so that no one faces a shortage of basic necessities during the holy month of Ramadan.
Under the program, deserving individuals will be issued a special Nighaban card through which they will be able to get Rs 10,000 in cash. This amount can be easily withdrawn from Bank of Punjab ATMs, branchless agents and One Link network.
The district administration will distribute the cards door to door so that the deserving individuals do not have to visit offices.
The government, instead of being limited to financial assistance, has also taken major steps for the affordable provision of food items. Dozens of convenience markets will be set up across the province during Ramadan where flour, sugar, pulses, vegetables and other essential items will be available at low prices.
Moreover, special Iftar tables will be set up in every tehsil where free food will be provided to thousands of people daily, which will include dates, milk, fruits and hot food.
Officers have been mobilized for supervision, while the Punjab Food Authority will check the quality daily so that the public gets healthy food.
The Chief Minister says that Ramadan is not only a month of worship but also conveys a message of service to the people. It is in this spirit that the government has prepared this extensive relief program.
