Free Ration Card
The Government of Punjab has officially begun distributing free ration cards under the Ramadan Nighaban Package, a large relief initiative aimed at supporting low-income families during the holy month of Ramadan. With a total budget of Rs. 47 billion, the program is designed to provide subsidized food, free meals, and discounted essential items so that families can observe Ramadan without financial stress.
Below is a clear and complete guide explaining what the package includes, who can benefit, and how to receive the ration card.
What Is the Ramadan Nighaban Package?
The Ramadan Nighaban Package is a province-wide welfare program introduced to reduce the burden of rising food prices during Ramadan. Through this initiative, the Punjab government is offering:
- Free ration cards for deserving families
- Subsidized flour and essential food items
- Discounted products in Ramadan bazaars
- Free or low-cost meals at community dastarkhwans
- Strict monitoring of prices and food quality
The goal is simple: no family in Punjab should face hunger during Ramadan.
Free Ration Card & Subsidy Program – Important Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Program Name | Ramadan Nighaban Package |
| Total Budget | Rs. 47 Billion |
| Free Ration Cards | Distributed to deserving and low-income families |
| Ramadan Bazaars | 100 bazaars across Punjab |
| Discount on Essentials | 20 essential items at 20% discount |
| Subsidized Flour | 10-kg flour bag available for Rs. 850 |
| Flour Sale Points | 120 special government sale points |
| Community Dastarkhwans | 1,216 dastarkhwans in 152 tehsils |
| Chicken Price Relief | Rs. 15 per kg cheaper than official rate |
| Sugar Price Cap | Maximum Rs. 160 per kg during Ramadan |
| Supermarket Participation | 105 major chains to set up wholesale-rate counters |
| Ramadan Savings Festival | 3-day event at Jillani Park, Lahore |
| Price Monitoring | Deputy commissioners and enforcement teams assigned |
| Food Quality Checks | Punjab Food Authority monitoring dastarkhwans |
| How to Get Ration Card | CNIC verification → eligibility check → collection from distribution center |
Key Facilities Provided in the Package
1. Establishment of Ramadan Bazaars
- 100 Ramadan bazaars will be set up across Punjab.
- Around 20 essential household items will be sold at 20% discounted prices.
- These bazaars will provide controlled pricing and easy access to daily necessities.
2. Subsidized Flour Availability
- 120 special sale points are being created for government-subsidized flour.
- A 10-kg flour bag will cost Rs. 850 at both Ramadan bazaars and sale points.
This measure is expected to provide major relief to families struggling with rising wheat prices.
3. Community Dastarkhwans Across Punjab
- 1,216 dastarkhwans will be arranged in 152 tehsils.
- These locations will provide free or affordable cooked meals for the needy.
- Food quality will be monitored by the Punjab Food Authority.
4. Controlled Prices of Chicken and Sugar
- Chicken meat will be sold Rs. 15 per kg cheaper than the official market rate.
- Sugar price will not exceed Rs. 160 per kg during Ramadan.
5. Role of Supermarket Chains
- 105 major supermarket chains must set up wholesale-rate counters
so citizens can purchase items at reduced prices.
Free Ration Card – What People Want to Know
Who Is Eligible?
Although final eligibility lists are prepared by local administration, priority is generally given to:
- Low-income households
- Families already registered in government welfare databases
- Daily wage earners and deserving individuals verified by district authorities
How to Get the Free Ration Card
The process is being managed by district administrations and government welfare teams.
Citizens can follow these basic steps:
- Check eligibility through local government offices or official announcements.
- Provide identification documents, usually a valid CNIC and household details.
- Verification by authorities using existing welfare records or surveys.
- Collection of ration card from designated distribution centers in the district.
People are advised to rely only on official government channels and avoid unofficial agents.
Additional Relief Activities in Lahore
- A three-day Ramadan Savings Festival will be held at Jillani Park, Lahore.
- Citizens will be able to buy essential items at special discounted rates before Ramadan.
Government Monitoring and Price Control
To ensure transparency and fairness:
- The Food Security and Commodities Management Department has issued instructions to all deputy commissioners.
- Enforcement teams are responsible for implementing official prices.
- The Food Authority will check hygiene and food standards at community dastarkhwans.
These steps aim to prevent hoarding, overpricing, and low-quality food supply.
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Final Words
The Ramadan Nighaban Package is one of the largest relief programs launched in Punjab for Ramadan. By combining free ration cards, subsidized flour, discounted essentials, and community meals, the government hopes to provide meaningful financial relief and ensure that every deserving family can observe Ramadan with dignity.
Citizens should stay connected with official government announcements to receive accurate information about ration card distribution and eligibility.