The Punjab government, led by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, launched the “Negahban Card” in April 2024 to provide financial and social support to persons with disabilities. This blog post provides a beginner’s guide to the card, outlining its benefits, eligibility criteria, and application process.
Contents
What is the Negahban Card?
The Negahban Card is a welfare program in Punjab, Pakistan, designed to alleviate financial burdens and improve the quality of life for individuals with disabilities, issued by the government department Bait-ul-Mal, and translates to “guardian card” in Urdu.
| Benefit | Details |
| Financial Assistance | – Monthly stipends or one-time grants – Details to be announced |
| Discounted Services | – Significant discounts on essential services |
| Assistive Devices | – Improved accessibility to wheelchairs, crutches, hearing aids, prosthetics, etc. |
| Educational Opportunities | – Scholarships or educational grants for academic pursuits |
| Skills Development | – Programs to enhance employability and foster economic independence |
Negahban Card Benefits
The Negahban Card offers a range of benefits to its holders, including:
- Financial Assistance: The card offers financial aid to PWDs, with details yet to be announced, potentially including monthly stipends or one-time grants to cover basic needs and living expenses.
- Discounted Services: The Negahban Card is set to provide significant financial relief to PWDs and their families by offering discounts on essential services.
- Access to Assistive Devices: The program aims to improve the accessibility of essential assistive devices like wheelchairs, crutches, hearing aids, and prosthetics for persons with disabilities (PWDs).
- Educational Opportunities: The Negahban Card may provide scholarships or educational grants to assist PWDs in achieving their academic objectives, thereby fostering inclusivity and empowering them through education.
- Skills Development Programs: The program aims to provide skills development opportunities for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) to enhance their employability, thereby fostering economic independence and social inclusion.
The benefits and details of the program are still in development, and a clearer picture will be provided after the official launch.
Who is Eligible for the Negahban Card?
The Negahban Card program aims to target individuals with physical, intellectual, and mental health disabilities, including those with mobility, visual, hearing, Down syndrome, autism spectrum disorder, and mental health conditions. The eligibility criteria, including minimum age and disability severity, are expected to be announced closer to the program’s launch.
How to Apply for the Negahban Card
The Negahban Card application process is yet to be officially revealed, but it involves a valid disability certificate from a government-recognized medical board, registration through a government portal or at designated Bait-ul-Mal offices, document submission including the certificate, proof of residence, and identification, and verification by authorities. Upon successful verification, the eligible applicant will receive the Negahban Card. The official application process will be announced closer to the program launch, so stay updated on official government channels like the Punjab government website or social media pages.
Conclusion
The Punjab government is launching the Negahban Card, a program aimed at empowering persons with disabilities in the province, aiming to enhance their financial security, well-being, and social inclusion.
FAQs
When will the Negahban Card be launched?
While the official launch date hasn’t been confirmed, it was announced in April 2024, indicating a potential launch in the near future.
How much financial assistance will the Negahban Card provide?
The exact amount of financial aid is yet to be disclosed, and further details will be provided through official announcements.