TAXILA: Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection Dr Sania Nishtar on Thursday announced that the SMS Registration Service of 8171 will open from Friday for the intended beneficiaries to register for the Ehsaas Ration Riayat programme.

She was talking to newsmen during her visit to Fatehjang. Officials of Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), NBP and local administration were also present on the occasion.

She said that the registration process for the eligible households and grocery merchants under the Ehsaas Ration Riayat program continued across

the country through the web portal while SMS service of 8171 to register the eligible buyers will open from tomorrow.

She revealed that the overall subsidy of Rs1,000 is being given to the eligible person on flour, pulses and cooking oil or ghee through this programme.

She said the subsidy of Rs 22 per kg is being given on flour, Rs55 per kg on pulses and Rs105 per liter on cooking oil or ghee at the designated grocery stores.

Dr Sania emphasized that it is mandatory for both the buyer and grocery merchants to have mobile SIMs issued on their own Computerized National Identity Cards to register for this programme.

Responding to a query, she said: “We are doing our utmost efforts to ensure transparency in this programme at every level.” She said the subsidy would be directly provided to the grocery merchants in their bank accounts while the shopkeepers would also be given commission.

She said a lucky draw would also be held after every three months through which gifts like mobile phones, motorcycles or cash prizes would be given to grocery stores owners.

Dr. Sania said as many as 20 million families identified through the recently completed Ehsaas survey would benefit from the programme, adding that 130 million people overall would benefit nationwide which is 53 per cent of the population.

She informed newsmen that those families who have less than 50,000 per month income were also eligible to apply for registration.

However, those government employees who have less than Rs 31, 500 salary per month would also get benefit from the programme.

Published in Dawn, November 19th, 2021

Opinion

Editorial

Canal consensus
Updated 29 Apr, 2025

Canal consensus

There is urgent need for such high-level engagement and consultation, especially considering climate-related crises Pakistan faces.
Incursions thwarted
29 Apr, 2025

Incursions thwarted

THE military’s media wing has released details of infiltration attempts by terrorists based in Afghanistan, saying...
Pension reforms
29 Apr, 2025

Pension reforms

The federal government has finally notified another pension reform that requires retired public servants rehired by...
At heat’s mercy
Updated 28 Apr, 2025

At heat’s mercy

The current heatwave is a dire warning of what lies ahead if Pakistan fails to confront the realities of climate change.
Culture war
28 Apr, 2025

Culture war

THE heightened tensions between India and Pakistan have sealed the fate of Abir Gulaal. Slated for a May release and...
Haj mismanagement
28 Apr, 2025

Haj mismanagement

THE relevant authorities in Pakistan are often blamed for negligence and poor management when it comes to Haj...