The Government of Punjab, under the leadership of the Chief Minister, has introduced the CM Punjab Bewa (Widow) Sahara Card initiative. This welfare program is designed to provide financial support to widowed women across the province who are struggling to meet their daily needs. It specifically targets widows who do not have adequate financial backing or family support. The key objectives of the program are:
- To provide monthly financial assistance to eligible widows.
- To reduce poverty among vulnerable women.
- To ensure social inclusion and economic independence for widows.
- To simplify the aid process through digital registration and smart card distribution.
1. Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the CM Punjab Bewa Sahara Card, an applicant must meet the following conditions:
- Must be a resident of Punjab.
- Must be a widow (husband’s death certificate is required).
- Must be between the ages of 18 and 60 years.
- Must have a valid CNIC (Computerized National Identity Card).
- Should not be receiving any other government pension or regular financial aid.
- Must fall below a certain poverty score threshold as determined by the National Socio-Economic Registry (NSER).
2. Required Documents
Applicants will need to provide the following documents during registration:
- CNIC of the widow
- CNIC of the deceased husband
- Husband’s death certificate (issued by NADRA)
- Proof of residence in Punjab
- NSER registration slip (if available)
- Mobile number for verification
3. Registration Process
The Punjab government has made the registration process for the Bewa Sahara Card both digital and accessible:
a) Online Registration (if available)
- Visit the official Punjab Social Protection Authority (PSPA) or the CM Punjab portal.
- Click on “Bewa Sahara Card Registration”.
- Fill out the form with all required personal and family information.
- Upload scanned copies of all necessary documents.
- Submit the application and note the tracking ID.
Note: Online registration may be limited during the initial rollout. Always confirm with official updates.
b) In-Person Registration via PSPA Offices or Union Councils
- Visit your nearest PSPA center, Union Council, or NADRA office.
- Ask for the Bewa Sahara Card Registration Form.
- Submit filled-in form along with original and photocopies of all documents.
- Biometric verification may be conducted on-site.
- Receive acknowledgment or tracking number.
4. Verification and Approval
After submitting the application:
- Verification is conducted through NADRA and PSPA databases.
- A poverty score is calculated based on income, property ownership, and household details.
- Once approved, the widow is notified via SMS or postal letter.
- The Bewa Sahara Card is dispatched to the applicant’s home or available for pickup at the designated center.
Key Features of the Program
- Monthly Stipend: Each eligible widow receives a fixed monthly amount (e.g., PKR 7,500 — subject to change by government decision).
- Smart Card Issuance: A biometric-enabled Bewa Sahara Card will be issued for secure, transparent cash disbursement.
- Digital Tracking: The program uses the Punjab Social Protection Authority’s database to ensure transparency.
- Eligibility Review: Regular audits are conducted to keep the beneficiaries list updated.
Card Usage and Disbursement
The card functions like a debit card:
- Can be used at ATMs, bank branches, or designated retail outlets.
- Monthly stipend is automatically transferred to the card.
- Some versions may include QR code and biometric authentication for added security.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Is there any registration fee?
No. Registration for the CM Punjab Bewa Sahara Card is completely free of charge.
Q2: Can a widow above 60 years register?
As of now, the age limit is typically 60 years. However, exceptions might be made in special cases—check with local authorities.
Q3: What if my application is rejected?
You can appeal the decision by visiting the PSPA office and submitting an appeal form along with additional supporting documents.
Contact Information and Helpline
For inquiries or assistance:
| Service | Details |
|---|---|
| PSPA Helpline | 042-111-333-267 |
| Website | www.punjab.gov.pk |
| Visit | Your nearest District Social Welfare Office |
The Bewa Sahara Card is a landmark initiative aimed at uplifting the lives of widows across the province. By offering consistent financial assistance, the program not only helps meet immediate needs but also restores dignity and independence to thousands of women.
Widows eligible for this program are encouraged to register promptly, either online or through their local welfare offices, to benefit from the government’s support.
