CM launches Rs84b ration card scheme

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has launched the largest ration card programme in the country’s history as part of a package worth Rs84 billion for industrial workers.

Under the CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif Ration Card programme, monthly subsidy worth Rs3,000 will be given to the workers and miners.

The workers and miners registered for social security will be able to get digital cash transfer, advance salary and rewards on the Labour Day through a bank card.

In addition to other facilities, the bank card will also provide additional cash benefits and insurance. The beneficiaries will be able to get 13 additional benefits and facilities through the ration card.

The chief minister inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of several projects for the workers. She laid the foundation stone of Social Security Hospitals in Sargodha and Kasur, along with a 50-bed facility in Rahim Yar Khan. She also laid the foundation stone of the first Maryam Nawaz Wellness Centre for workers along with a 200-bed Cardiac City for workers.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz also launched a teleclinics project for the workers across the province. She inaugurated the Taxila Labour Colonies and Sundar Estate Workers Welfare Complex. She also laid the foundation stone of a Labour Colony in Warburton and the second phase of a colony in Multan.

She also conducted a lottery for motorcycles and solar panels for workers.

Addressing a ceremony at the Expo Centre, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz announced the plan to give ration cards to 1.25 million working families.

She said, “The progress in our country is due to the hard work of the labourers. Labourers work the hardest to build new roads, airports, hospitals and motorways. If the country is progressing due to the labourers and hard workers, then they should also be rewarded.” She said, “The ration card is not for those who ask for arms, but for those who work 15 to 16 hours in a day.”

She said, “We fulfilled out promise of not causing any harm to the farmers and also did not let the price of ‘Roti’ increase.”

She added, “A lie is being spread that farmers have suffered losses, while Rs5,000 per acre is going to be given to the owners of less than 12 acres of land. Fixing the price of wheat at Rs4,000 will make Roti and flour expensive for 150 million people.”

The chief minister said there is tension on the border between Pakistan and India, but there is no need to worry. The Pakistan Army can combat every threat. Allah Almighty has given Pakistan, Pakistani people and the Pakistan Army the courage to encounter the enemy.

She said, “I want to tell the Pakistani people that no matter which party we belong to, we should stand with the Pakistan Army on this occasion. Any enemy of Pakistan will think 10 times before attacking as everyone knows that Pakistan is a nuclear power. Pakistan was made a nuclear power by Nawaz Sharif.

Meanwhile, chairing a meeting, the CM approved in principle a plan for phased construction, repair and rehabilitation projects in major cities.