Punjab Launches ‘Maryam Nawaz Ration Card’ Scheme for Mine Workers
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has launched the “Maryam Nawaz Ration Card” scheme, an initiative designed to provide monthly food support to 40,000 mine workers across Punjab. The scheme was officially inaugurated at a ceremony hosted by the Mines & Minerals Department, marking a major step toward improving the welfare of laborers in the province.
At the event, Provincial Minister for Mines Sher Ali Gorchani praised the scheme as a clear reflection of the Chief Minister’s commitment to economic dignity and social justice. He announced that each eligible mine worker would receive rations worth up to Rs3,000 per month under the program, with plans to increase this amount in the future. “Punjab’s development focus has shifted from just infrastructure to human welfare and social equity,” Gorchani emphasized.
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The minister also highlighted the inclusive nature of the initiative, pointing out that several ration cards were awarded to mine workers from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. “For Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, every laborer counts—no matter which province they belong to,” he said.
Gorchani also outlined recent successes of the Mines & Minerals Department, revealing that it had generated a record Rs30 billion in revenue through a transparent e-auction system. He noted that this performance had set a new standard for governance and efficiency in Pakistan’s mineral sector.
Secretary Mines & Minerals Parvez Iqbal Butt announced a significant increase in the welfare fund for mine workers, raising it from Rs700 million to Rs3 billion. In addition, he shared details of a new Rs1.5 billion relief package allocated for the current year to further support the mining workforce.
Emphasizing transparency and merit, Butt stated that the department’s goal is to ensure all services and benefits reach workers in a fair and efficient manner. He also unveiled new programs to support the children of mine workers, including the distribution of free laptops, electric bikes, and academic scholarships to help them pursue education and personal growth.
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