Introduction
In Pakistan today, rising inflation and food insecurity have made it increasingly difficult for low-income families to afford basic necessities. To tackle this issue, the Punjab government has introduced a significant initiative in collaboration with Utility Stores, providing citizens with the chance to purchase essential food items at discounted rates using the Punjab Card. This detailed guide explains how you can access these benefits—from registration to receiving discounted groceries—ensuring that you don’t miss out on this crucial program.
Understanding the Punjab Card and Utility Store Discount Program
What is the Punjab Card?
The Punjab Card is an initiative by the provincial government designed to provide financial assistance to underprivileged families. This card grants access to various subsidies, including the Utility Store Rashan Discount Program, allowing eligible citizens to buy essential groceries at reduced prices.
Government’s Aim Behind the Discount Scheme
The primary goal of the Punjab Card program is to ease the financial strain on low-income households. By offering discounts on staple items like flour, sugar, rice, and ghee, the program aims to improve food security in economically challenging times.
Importance for Low-Income Families
This program is a lifeline for those living below the poverty line. It allows them to purchase vital groceries at much lower rates, which makes a significant difference in their monthly food budget. With reduced grocery costs, families can focus more on their other basic needs without compromising their health or nutrition.
How the Utility Store Subsidy System Works
Read Also: CM Punjab Wheat Support Program 2025: Full Guide for Farmers
Utility Stores as Official Partners
The Utility Stores Corporation of Pakistan (USC) plays a key role as an official partner in this initiative. Utility stores, spread across the country, help distribute the discounted food items to eligible families. With branches in both urban and rural areas, the program ensures broad access.
List of Essential Items Available at Discounted Prices
Some of the core items available under the scheme include
- Wheat Flour (Atta)
- Sugar (Cheeni)
- Rice (Chawal)
- Pulses (Daal)
- Ghee (Tail)
Monthly Limits and Benefits for Cardholders
Each registered household is entitled to purchase a set amount of these items per month. The limits are designed to ensure that everyone gets their fair share without misuse or hoarding. These limits vary depending on family size and availability of goods.
Step-by-Step Guide: Registering for the Punjab Rashan Program via 5566
Sending CNIC to 5566
To begin the registration process, send your 13-digit CNIC number via SMS to 5566 using your registered mobile number. This step is crucial to confirm your eligibility.
Receiving and Saving the Verification Code
After sending the SMS, you will receive a verification code on your phone. This code is necessary to claim your discount at the Utility Store, so make sure to save it carefully.
Important Tips During Registration
- Ensure your SIM card is registered under your own CNIC to avoid issues.
- Check that your CNIC details are up-to-date with NADRA before registering.
- Do not send multiple SMS; a single message is sufficient.
Visiting the Utility Store to Avail Discount
Documents Required at the Utility Store
When visiting the Utility Store, bring the following documents:
- Your original CNIC
- The verification SMS with the code received from 5566
How Verification is Done
At the Utility Store, show your CNIC and SMS code to the staff. They will verify your details in their system before allowing you to purchase discounted items.
Purchasing Rashan with Discount in Easy Steps
Once verified, you can proceed to buy your discounted goods. Please note that only the registered person is eligible to make the purchase using their Punjab Card details.
Important Rules to Remember for Discount Eligibility
PMT (Proxy Means Test) Score Criteria
To qualify for the discount, your PMT (Proxy Means Test) score must be below 40%. This ensures that only those in need benefit from the program.
Only One Subsidy per Household
Remember, only one registration per household is allowed. Multiple members from the same family cannot avail separate discounts.
Mobile SIM Must Match CNIC Information
Your mobile number used for registration must match the name on your CNIC. If there’s a mismatch, your registration may be rejected.
How to Check Your PMT Score Online
What is PMT Score and Why It Matters
The PMT score is used to determine your eligibility based on your socio-economic status. A lower score signifies a higher level of need, thus granting access to subsidies like the Rashan program.
Step-by-Step Method to Check PMT Score on the BISP Portal
- Go to the official BISP website.
- Click on the Check PMT Score section.
- Enter your CNIC and submit.
- You will immediately see your PMT score.
How to Update Your Information if Score is Missing or Incorrect
If your PMT score is missing or incorrect, you can visit your nearest NADRA office for data correction. Once your details are updated, recheck your score.
What Items Are Available at Discounted Rates?
Here is a list of the items you can purchase under the Punjab Card discount scheme:
- Flour (Atta)—Rs. 648 per 20kg
- Sugar (Cheeni)—Rs. 90 per kg
- Rice (Discounted rates based on type
- Pulses (Daal)—20-30% cheaper than market rates
- Ghee (Tail) – Rs. 320 per kg
These prices are approximate and may vary based on region and availability.
Quantity Limits
There are set limits on the quantities you can purchase each month. These limits ensure that the benefit is distributed fairly among all eligible households.
Common Problems and How to Solve Them
Not Receiving Code After Sending SMS to 5566
- Double-check that your CNIC is entered correctly.
- Make sure your SIM card is properly registered.
- Wait for the response; it may take a few minutes.
SIM Registration Issues
If your SIM is not registered with your CNIC, you will need to visit your mobile service provider to update it.
Name Mismatch Between SIM and CNIC
Ensure that the name on your SIM matches the name on your CNIC. If not, update your SIM details.
Steps to Resolve These Problems
- Correct your details at the mobile franchise.
- After updating, re- resend your CNIC to 5566.
- Contact the Utility Store helpline for further support if issues persist.
Key Benefits of Using Punjab Card at Utility Stores
- Save up to 40% on grocery expenses.
- Hassle-free mobile registration.
- Availability in both urban and rural areas.
- No middlemen involved—direct discounts from the government.
- Priority for the most vulnerable families based on PMT scores.
Safety Tips to Avoid Scams
- Never share your CNIC or verification code with anyone.
- Only visit official Utility Stores to avoid fraudulent activities.
- Always bring your original CNIC for smooth verification.
- Be cautious of fraud calls pretending to be from the Utility Store department.
Conclusion
The Punjab Card Utility Store Discount Program is a great opportunity for low-income families to purchase essentials at much lower prices. By following the registration process, confirming your eligibility, and visiting the authorized Utility Stores, you can access discounted groceries every month. This government initiative is designed to reduce the financial burden on vulnerable families, ensuring food security for all. Make sure to follow all the instructions carefully to make the most of this benefit.
FAQs
Can I register if my SIM card is not in my name?
No, your SIM must be registered under your CNIC to qualify for the program.
What happens if I lose the verification SMS?
If you lose the verification SMS, simply send your CNIC again to 5566 to receive a new code.
How often can I avail the discount each month?
You can avail yourself of the discounted groceries once every month.
Is this scheme available outside Punjab?
Currently, the program is only available to residents of Punjab.
Can two members from one family register separately?
No, only one member per household can register to avoid misuse.