Demonstrating an expansive commitment to inclusive welfare, the Government of Punjab has unveiled the Ramazan Nigehban Package-2026, approved by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. With a historic allocation of Rs 47 billion, the initiative is designed to assist nearly one crore economically vulnerable citizens during the holy month.
Officials describe the programme as the province’s largest Ramazan-focused social protection intervention, combining direct financial support, food security, digital governance, and market regulation to ensure relief reaches families with dignity and transparency.
Direct Cash Support for Millions
At the centre of the package is a wide direct-transfer model aligned with global welfare standards.
-
4.2 million families will receive Rs 10,000 each.
-
Existing ration card beneficiaries, previously getting Rs 3,000 per month, will receive Rs 10,000 for Ramazan.
The government says the increase reflects inflation pressures and higher food spending during the month of fasting.
Nigehban Card – Smart & Trackable Aid
A key innovation this year is the Nigehban Card, a digital welfare tool aimed at minimizing leakages and improving convenience.
More than two million cards are being issued. Beneficiaries can:
-
Withdraw cash through ATMs
-
Use branchless banking channels
-
Purchase essentials from registered merchants
A door-to-door distribution model is being adopted to avoid long queues and reduce hardship for elderly and disabled recipients.
To simplify onboarding, activation centers across Punjab will help families start using the cards immediately.
Real-Time Digital Monitoring
To strengthen transparency, authorities are launching a Ramazan Nigehban Digital Dashboard. The system will enable:
-
Live tracking of disbursements
-
Beneficiary verification
-
Performance auditing
Random confirmation calls will further ensure that payments reach intended households. Officials say this reflects a shift toward data-driven governance and modern accountability practices.
Nigehban Dastarkhwan – Community Iftar
Beyond cash aid, the package includes a large-scale public meal programme titled “Nigehban Dastarkhwan – Maryam Kay Mehman.”
Each tehsil will host multiple iftar points, serving thousands daily. Typical meals include:
-
Dates
-
Samosas
-
Milk and traditional drinks
-
Fruit
-
Chicken biryani
Food safety oversight will be handled by provincial authorities and district administrations to maintain hygiene and quality.
Sahulat Bazaars & Price Control
To stabilize markets, the government is expanding Ramazan Sahulat Bazaars across districts. These regulated markets aim to:
-
Ensure affordable rates
-
Maintain supply chains
-
Prevent hoarding
-
Improve crowd management through surveillance systems
Flour mills, poultry suppliers, ghee producers, and grocery groups will run dedicated stalls. Special facilitation such as home delivery is planned for cardholders, senior citizens, and women-headed households.
Vision Beyond Ramazan
Officials say the relief effort is not merely seasonal. Planning for new bazaars in dozens of additional tehsils signals a longer-term ambition to institutionalize affordable market access and strengthen food system resilience.
Speaking at a briefing, Maryam Nawaz said the initiative represents a social contract built on dignity, compassion, and shared responsibility, urging the private sector to complement state efforts.
Why This Programme Matters
For policy experts, the Ramazan Nigehban Package stands out because it blends:
✔️ Direct cash assistance
✔️ Smart payment technology
✔️ Community feeding
✔️ Price regulation
✔️ Field-level monitoring
If executed effectively, it could become a model for subnational welfare delivery in emerging economies.
Conclusion
The Ramazan Nigehban Package-2026 marks one of Punjab’s most ambitious social protection drives. By integrating financial relief, digital systems, and food access under a single umbrella, the province aims to ensure that no deserving family is left unsupported during a month centered on empathy and solidarity.
If implementation matches design, the initiative may redefine how large-scale, technology-enabled welfare can be delivered with both speed and dignity.