Over Rs138bn for social welfare sectors

LAHORE:The Punjab government has allocated Rs138.7 billion for social protection and welfare sectors in the fiscal year 2025-26, reflecting a strong commitment to inclusive development and public welfare. According to budget documents, Rs31.4 billion has been earmarked for development projects, while Rs107.3 billion will be spent under non-development expenditures.

Recognising that meaningful development is impossible without equitable access to welfare services, the government has placed the Social Welfare and Bait-ul-Mal Department among its top priorities, allocating Rs7 billion in development funds for the department.

Among the flagship initiatives is the Himmat Card Programme, launched in FY 2024-25 to empower persons with disabilities. The scheme, worth Rs2.7 billion, has already provided quarterly stipends of Rs10,500 to over 65,000 registered beneficiaries. Given its success and public acclaim, the government will expand the programme in FY 2025-26, with Rs4 billion allocated to support an additional 100,000 individuals with disabilities.

Another major welfare initiative being introduced is the Social Security Ration Card Scheme, aimed at offering monthly financial relief of up to Rs3,000 to 1.2 million registered workers for purchasing essential food items. A substantial allocation of Rs40 billion has been made for this programme under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. In a parallel effort to uplift marginalized communities, the government will launch the Chief Minister's Minorities Development Programme, a comprehensive multi-sectoral scheme with a budget of Rs1 billion for FY 2025-26.

Additionally, the Minority Card programme—introduced in FY 2024-25 at a cost of Rs1.5 billion—has already benefitted 50,000 families and will continue as a key intervention for minority support.