Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has announced an increase in financial assistance for special persons under the ‘Himmat Card’ program. The amount has been raised from Rs7,500 to Rs10,000, benefiting 65,000 special persons across the province. The announcement was made during a ceremony on Wednesday, where the CM outlined the phased implementation of the program.
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| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Assistance Amount | Rs10,000 (up from Rs7,500) |
| Eligibility | Special persons certificate, no other government aid |
| Bank | Managed by Bank of Punjab |
| Funding | Rs658.1 million allocated |
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the ‘Himmat Card,’ individuals must hold a special persons certificate issued by the district or tehsil authorities. This certificate verifies the individual’s status as a special person, qualifying them for the financial assistance provided through the card. However, those who are already receiving financial assistance from any other government agency, including the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), will not be eligible for the ‘Himmat Card.’
Payment Details and Process
The financial assistance provided under the ‘Himmat Card’ will be transferred to the eligible person’s bank account every three months. It is crucial for beneficiaries to withdraw the money within 180 days of the transfer; otherwise, the funds will be returned. This ensures that the assistance is utilized in a timely manner and reaches those who need it most.
Banking and Financial Management
The Bank of Punjab (BoP) has been designated as the financial service provider for the ‘Himmat Card’ program. BoP will manage the distribution of funds and has allocated Rs80.17 million for providing these services. Additionally, the Social Welfare Department of Punjab will supply the necessary data of eligible persons to the bank to facilitate the smooth operation of the program.
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Government Funding and Implementation
The Planning & Development (P&D) Department has approved a budget of Rs658.1 million for the implementation of the ‘Himmat Card’ project. This substantial funding highlights the government’s commitment to supporting the special persons of Punjab and ensuring that they receive the financial assistance they need.
Conclusion
The ‘Himmat Card’ initiative represents a significant step by the Punjab government to enhance support for special persons in the province. By increasing the financial assistance and ensuring a well-organized distribution system, the government aims to improve the quality of life for these individuals. The phased implementation will allow for adjustments and improvements, ensuring that the program effectively reaches and benefits the intended recipients.
FAQs
Who is eligible for the ‘Himmat Card’?
Only individuals holding a special persons certificate from the district or tehsil level are eligible for the ‘Himmat Card.’
How much financial assistance is provided under the ‘Himmat Card’?
The assistance amount has been increased to Rs10,000, distributed every three months.
Can individuals receiving other government assistance apply for the ‘Himmat Card’?
No, individuals already receiving financial assistance from programs like BISP are not eligible for the ‘Himmat Card.’
Which bank is managing the financial transactions for the ‘Himmat Card’?
The Bank of Punjab (BoP) is the financial service provider for the ‘Himmat Card’ program.