An important step for the welfare of minority families the number of Minority Cards to be increased: Ramesh Singh Arora
By Our Correspondent
LAHORE : A significant meeting of the Chief Minister Punjab’s Minority Cards Steering Committee was held under the chairmanship of Provincial Minister for Minority Affairs Ramesh Singh Arora, in which detailed progress of the program was reviewed. The meeting thoroughly discussed the scrutiny process, transparent distribution, and the future course of action for the Minority Cards program.
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The committee was briefed that more than 40,000 deserving minority families have already received the cards, while a total of 50,000 families benefitted in the first phase.
Addressing the meeting, Ramesh Singh Arora stated that Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has made the welfare of minorities a top priority of her government. The Minority Cards program not only provides financial support but also symbolizes inclusion and empowerment of minority communities in society.
As per the special directives of the Chief Minister, the number of Minority Cards is soon to be increased from 50,000 to 75,000 to extend relief to a greater number of deserving families. It was also decided during the meeting that the Department of Minority Affairs, in collaboration with the Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB), will develop a comprehensive digital application that will include complete data of religious minorities. This initiative aims to improve accuracy and transparency in record-keeping and scrutiny. The Provincial Minister directed the concerned Deputy Commissioners to ensure the delivery of cards to eligible individuals within the next five days. Failing to do so will result in cancellation of cards due to negligence. Instructions were also issued to respective Commissioners to clear all pending cases on a priority basis.
Ramesh Singh Arora further shared that the first installment under the program has been successfully disbursed, and the second phase will commence shortly. He reiterated the Punjab government’s commitment to protecting the rights and promoting the welfare of minority communities. He termed this program a historic achievement of the Punjab government, rooted in the principles of social justice and equality.
The meeting was attended by Secretary for Minority Affairs Ali Bahadur Qazi, Additional Secretary Rizwana Naveed, and representatives from Punjab Social Protection Authority, Bank of Punjab, PITB, and other relevant institutions.
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