In the Punjab Budget 2025–26, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has introduced several welfare programs to help poor families, women, farmers, youth, and senior citizens. These schemes aim to reduce poverty, support daily needs, and improve the quality of life for low-income people. The new programs include cash support, free ration cards, scholarships, free livestock, housing schemes, and technical training for unemployed youth.
| Key Feature | Description |
| Programs Announced | Over 10 major welfare initiatives |
| Target Groups | Women, youth, elderly, farmers, poor families |
| Budget Focus | Health, food, housing, income support |
| Program Start | From July 2025 (in phases) |
Punjab Government’s Welfare Vision for 2025–26
CM Maryam Nawaz has placed social welfare at the center of the new budget. Her government wants to help people suffering from inflation, unemployment, and poverty. Most of the new programs are focused on providing direct financial help and improving basic facilities like food, housing, and education.
The programs will be launched in phases from July 2025, and families can apply online or through special centers across Punjab.
See also: Punjab Rozgar Scheme
Full List of Welfare Programs Announced
The following welfare schemes were officially included in the 2025–26 Punjab Budget:
- Punjab Ration Card Program: Monthly subsidy for buying food items from utility stores
- CM Roshan Gharana Solar Scheme: Free solar panels for 50,000 families to reduce electricity bills
- Apni Zameen Apna Ghar Scheme: Free plots and housing units for homeless families in all 36 districts
- CM Laptop Scheme: Free laptops for talented students in colleges and universities
- Free Livestock Scheme: Distribution of goats and cows to rural women and small farmers
- CM Transport Scheme: Pink scooties for working women and e-bikes for students on easy installments
- Youth Skills Training Program: Free technical courses for unemployed youth with job placement
- Bait-ul-Maal Expansion: Financial help for disabled, elderly, and patients with serious diseases
- Women Income Support Package: Rs. 5,000–10,000 per month cash support to poor women
- Senior Citizen Card: Discounts, special seats, and health coverage for elderly people
These programs will help millions of people across Punjab.
See also: BISP 8171 Biometric Issue Resolved
Women-Focused Welfare Schemes
A special focus in this year’s budget is on women empowerment and safety. Multiple programs are designed to help women become financially independent and live safer, better lives.
Highlights include:
- Rs. 12 Billion allocated for women-only welfare programs
- Free scooties for working women in cities
- Cash support of Rs. 10,000/month for poor, widowed, or divorced women
- Free cattle for rural women to promote small-scale dairy farming
- Skill development and home-based earning programs
This will improve the status and income of women in Punjab.
Youth Schemes and Job Creation
Young people are also a major focus of Maryam Nawaz’s government in Budget 2025. The new welfare programs aim to reduce youth unemployment and support modern skill training.
Key features include:
- Technical training courses through NAVTTC and PSDF
- Monthly stipends for enrolled youth during training
- E-bike scheme with zero markup loans for students
- Internship and job placement programs in IT and industrial sectors
- Free laptops for high-performing students
These schemes will equip youth with skills to earn money and support their families.
How to Apply for These Programs
The Punjab government will launch online registration portals and physical centers across the province in July 2025. Each scheme will have its own application method, depending on eligibility.
Basic requirements to apply:
- Valid CNIC of applicant
- Proof of income (for cash or ration schemes)
- Student enrollment letter (for laptop or bike schemes)
- Disability or widow certificate (if applying under special quotas)
Further instructions will be shared through official websites, SMS services, and awareness camps.
Conclusion
The 2025–26 Punjab Budget shows that CM Maryam Nawaz is focused on real welfare for real people. From ration cards to housing, and from scooters to skill training, her new welfare programs aim to bring long-term change. These schemes will help millions of poor and middle-class families live better, safer, and more independent lives. Citizens are advised to check official portals and apply as soon as registrations open.
FAQs
1. When will registration for these welfare programs start?
Most schemes will start from July 2025, with online registration and help centers.
2. Are these welfare programs available in all Punjab districts?
Yes, programs like Rashan Card, Livestock Scheme, and Housing Scheme will cover all 36 districts.
3. Can I apply for more than one scheme?
Yes, if you meet the eligibility criteria, you can apply for multiple programs.
4. Will I get cash directly in the bank?
Yes, for cash support schemes, money will be transferred to your registered bank or mobile wallet account.