Many financial hardships faced by people with disabilities have been faced for decades. Luckily, the Punjab government has recently started to take unprecedented steps toward supporting people with disabilities to be prosperous and live with dignity and freedom. The CM Punjab Khidmat Card, or Himmat Card, is a unique initiative to bring financial and social support to hundreds of deserving individuals. More than just a card, it helps create a path for self-sustainability while moving towards creating an inclusive society.
Key Features of the Khidmat Card
This program comprises a total welfare package, which gives benefits that improve the lives of persons with disabilities (PWDs).
- Financial Aid Disbursed Four Times a Year: The primary welfare benefit is the quarterly stipend of PKR 10,500, which means that every quarter, the recipient is guaranteed cash for essentials.
- ATM-Enabled Card: The cash is provided straight to the beneficiary through an ATM card and can be pulled out anytime at any Bank of Punjab branch or ATM.
- Rehabilitation and training services: The actual program not only offers financial support, but also has free technical training and free rehabilitation to assist PWDs to become constructive and contributing members of society.
- Transparent process, with dignity: The entire system has been designed to be transparent and dignified, ensuring that the financial aid provided is delivered to beneficiaries without unnecessary bureaucracy or delays.
Also Read: CM Aghosh Program
Eligibility Criteria
If you want to apply for a Khidmat Card, you have to meet the following straightforward, but important requirements:
- You must have a certified disability (PWD) verified by the Social Welfare Department of Punjab.
- Your Proxy Means Test (PMT) score provided by the BISP must not be higher than 45, which verifies your low-income status.
- You must not be employed by any government or private sector organization.
- You must not have recently received funds from any other welfare programs, such as Bait ul Maal or Zakat Fund.
| Criterion | Details |
| Disability Status | Must be a certified person with a disability (PWD) |
| Employment Status | Must be unemployed in both the public and private sectors |
| PMT Score | Proxy Means Test (PMT) score of 45 or below |
| Other Aid | Must not be a recent beneficiary of other government welfare grants |
How to Apply
The application procedure is simple and easy, but there are a few steps involved to establish eligibility and transparency.
- Obtain a Disability Certificate: The first step in the process is to acquire a proper disability certificate from the Social Welfare Department of Punjab.
- Check your PMT Score: The second step is you want to make sure that your PMT score is 45 or below. You will check this by using the BISP (Benazir Income Support Programme) system of BISP when contacted to verify your PMT score.
- Update your DPMIS details: Thirdly, you want to ensure that all your personal information, address, mobile number, etc., is up to date in the Disabled Persons Management Information System (DPMIS).
- Take your documents to a social welfare office: Once you have completed the necessary documentation as outlined above, you want to take your application to the nearest District Social Welfare Office to apply.
- Verification: A field verification team will be in contact with you to confirm the information you provided.
- Issuance of your Card: Once approved for the application, you will be able to receive the Khidmat Card, which is an ATM-enabled card that you will use to receive your quarterly income stipend.
Final Words
The new CM Punjab Khidmat Card scheme is a significant initiative that adds to the government’s agenda for building an inclusive society, where people with disabilities have not only social recognition as beneficiaries but are also respected and encouraged to become participatory members of society. This will ensure they can set up an established life with respect and independence, which allows them to bring their valuable skills and talent into contributing to the national progress of the country. This is a fantastic chance to better your future.
