The Punjab government unveiled a new initiative to alleviate economic burdens for widows across the province. Known as the Support Card Scheme, this program is spearheaded by the Zakat and Welfare Department with an aim to provide Rs 100,000 in cash assistance to each eligible widow, aiming to bolster their livelihoods and that of their children.
Under the scheme, widows receiving the initial amount will receive additional support based on the number of dependents. Each single child brings a bonus of Rs 25,000, while two children add an extra Rs 50,000. The program’s budget allocation comes to Rs 4 billion—a substantial investment by the Punjab government in social welfare and women’s economic empowerment.
Pursuant to the scheme’s implementation timeline, the Zakat and Welfare Department expects all components to be operational by the end of this month, including registration drives across Lahore and other districts. Officials are dedicated to ensuring that eligible widows can access these benefits swiftly, emphasizing their commitment to providing aid directly rather than through informal channels.
A senior official from the department highlighted, “This initiative underscores Punjab’s commitment to addressing the needs of vulnerable groups, particularly widows who often struggle with both emotional and financial challenges. By offering direct cash assistance, we seek to enable them to meet their children’s basic needs and improve their overall quality of life.”
Civil society organizations and women’s rights advocates have endorsed this scheme, emphasizing that financial independence is vital for widows who frequently encounter social and economic marginalization. Their support hinges on the program’s smooth execution and transparency in ensuring assistance reaches deserving individuals.
With the Support Card Scheme, Punjab has taken a significant stride towards bolstering social protection initiatives to uplift women while establishing a foundation for future expansions of these programs.