In a historic initiative aimed at uplifting the status of deserving individuals and empowering women, the Chief Minister of Punjab, Maryam Nawaz Sharif, has initiated the “Bewa Sahara Card“. This program is a hope for people, as it will aid in providing a stable financial future and a life of dignity for widows who are struggling to sustain themselves. It will help them more than just cash assistance; it will give them a way forward towards not only financial stability, but also dignity and respect.
Key Features of the Bewa Sahara Card
This initiative is essentially a welfare package that covers a few benefits that are worthy for widows:
- Monthly Cash Transfer: The main benefit is a cash transfer of PKR 10,000 each month to support widows in paying for necessities. In other words, these monthly cash transfers are designed to assist widows to be able to conduct their daily lives without any financial hardship.
- Facilitating Dignity of Women: Overall, the program aims to allow women aged over 45 years to live their lives with dignity and the confidence to focus on themselves and live a life of piety.
- Safety and Respect: The government not only provides financial relief but also safety and social respect to these women to help them gain status in their communities
- Streamlined Processes: The registration process has also been designed to ensure smooth access and a degree of transparent simplicity in the objective of providing these deserving individuals with cash support, and not becoming overly bureaucratic.
Eligibility Criteria: Who Can Apply?
To qualify for the Bewa Sahara Card program, applicants must adhere to the following guidelines. These guidelines ensure that the assistance goes to the poor, and not to those who are comparatively wealthy.
- Citizenship: You must be a citizen of Pakistan and have a valid Pakistani National Identity Card.
- Age: You must be 45 years of age or older.
- Income: Your family’s total income must be less than PKR 50,000 / month.
- Asset Holders: If you own any valuable asset, such as land or a heavy vehicle, you do not qualify for this program.
- Other Aid: You do not receive any other government allowance/pension other than for elderly relief.
- Travel/Umrah: You have not traveled to another country for Hajj/Umrah.
Also Read: CM Punjab Minority Card Scheme