8123 Punjab Ration Card: Check Your Eligibility via SMS — Get Rs 3000 Financial Aid

The Government of Punjab has officially launched the major CM Punjab Ration Card program, a significant initiative aimed at addressing food insecurity and providing financial support to low-income families across the province. The program is designed to deliver regular financial assistance to the most deserving households, helping to alleviate the rising cost of essential goods. Eligible citizens can quickly check their eligibility and application status by sending an SMS to the 8123 Punjab Ration Card shortcode.

This comprehensive program is expected to benefit over 1.25 million families, providing monthly support to ease economic burdens. The digital-based system offers a more efficient alternative to traditional ration distribution, with payments processed through a secure digital smart card.

Key Benefits of the 8123 Punjab Ration Card

The Punjab Ration Card Program provides significant financial relief and convenience for low-income households:

• Monthly Financial Aid: Eligible families receive Rs. 3,000 every month.
• Digital Smart Card: The card ensures faster and more secure transactions.
• Discounted Essentials: Cardholders can receive discounts on staple food items such as flour, rice, sugar, and ghee.
• Widespread Usage: The card can be used at registered Utility Stores and authorized Karyana shops across Punjab.

• Convenience: The digital system eliminates long queues and simplifies the distribution process.

Eligibility Criteria

To ensure that aid reaches the most deserving families, applicants must meet strict eligibility requirements:

Mandatory Requirements:

• Permanent residency in Punjab.
• Possession of a valid CNIC issued by NADRA.
• Registration with the Punjab Socio-Economic Registry (PSER) Survey.
• Only one applicant per household.
• Active mobile number registered under the same CNIC.

Income and Asset Conditions:

• Monthly household income must be less than Rs. 50,000.
• PMT Score (Proxy Means Test) must be below 35.
• Government employees, social security workers, and tax filers are ineligible.
• Families already receiving other government aid, such as BISP Rs. 13,500 cash, may also be ineligible.

How to Register and Check Status

Applicants can verify their eligibility and application status via the 8123 SMS service or online through the PSER portal:

1. Check Status via SMS:

• Open the message app and type your 13-digit CNIC number without spaces or dashes.
• Send it to 8123.
• Receive confirmation of eligibility or further verification instructions.

1. Online Registration (PSER Portal):

• Visit the official PSER portal or linked government websites.
• Register or log in using your CNIC.
• Complete the detailed questionnaire including family, health, employment, and asset information.
• Submit the application for government verification.

Important: Registration is entirely free. Applicants should not pay any fees to third parties.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the PSER Survey?
The PSER (Punjab Socio-Economic Registry) Survey assesses household poverty levels and generates the PMT Score, which determines eligibility for the program. Applicants must complete the survey at E-Khidmat Markaz or BISP offices if not already registered.

Where can the CM Punjab Ration Card be used?
The digital card can be used at:

• Utility Stores Corporation branches.
• Registered local Karyana shops displaying official banners or QR codes.

What to do if an application is rejected?
Applicants should verify their CNIC and family data in the PSER Survey. If errors are corrected and eligibility is still disputed, the grievance redressal system through the official helpline or portal can be used.

The CM Punjab Ration Card initiative marks a significant step by the Punjab government in supporting vulnerable households and promoting financial inclusion across the province.