Ehsaas Rashan Program 2025 – A Lifeline for Low-Income Families
The Ehsaas Rashan Program is a government welfare scheme launched to support low-income families struggling with rising inflation. Through this program, eligible households receive monthly food subsidies, helping them buy essential items like wheat flour, sugar, and cooking oil at discounted rates. The registration process is simple — citizens can apply online, through SMS, or by visiting the nearest e-Khidmat Markaz. The initiative is linked with the Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) and uses digital platforms to ensure transparency and fair distribution.
As of 2025, millions of families benefit from this program, which continues to serve as a vital social safety net in Pakistan. If you’re wondering how to register, who can apply, and what benefits it offers — this simple and complete guide will explain everything you need to know, step by step.
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Who Can Apply for the Ehsaas Rashan Program in 2025?
Not everyone can join the ehsaas rashan program. It is made only for low-income families who really need help. To make sure the support goes to the right people, the government has set a few simple rules. If someone meets these eligibility criteria, they can apply easily.
Eligibility Criteria for 2025
You can apply for the program if:
- Your monthly household income is Rs. 50,000 or less.
- You have a valid CNIC (Computerized National Identity Card).
- Your mobile number is registered in your name.
- Your data is part of the National Socio-Economic Registry (NSER).
- Only one person per family is allowed to register.
People like widows, senior citizens, disabled persons, and BISP (Benazir Income Support Program) beneficiaries are also given preference.
Also read: CM Rashan Scheme – A Big Step for Poor Families in Punjab
Required Documents
To apply, you should have:
- Original CNIC
- Mobile number (in your name)
- Utility bill or income proof (if required)
How to Apply for the Ehsaas Rashan Program in 2025
The government has made it very easy to apply for the ehsaas rashan program. Whether you have a smartphone or just a basic phone, you can register by sending an SMS, visiting the official website, or going to the nearest e-Khidmat Markaz. There is no fee, and the process is quick.
Method 1: Apply by SMS (8123 Service)
If you don’t have internet, use this method.
- Open your mobile’s SMS app.
- Type your 13-digit CNIC number (without dashes).
- Send it to 8123.
- You will get a reply message about your eligibility.
Note: Make sure your mobile number is registered in your name, or you might not get a response.
Method 2: Apply Online via Web Portal
If you have internet access, use the official Punjab portal:
- Visit: ehsaas.punjab.gov.pk
- Enter your CNIC number.
- Add your registered mobile number.
- Click on the “Register” button.
- Wait for a confirmation SMS.
This portal also lets you check your eligibility status and view your application progress.
Method 3: Apply at e-Khidmat Markaz
For those who want to register in person:
- Go to your nearest e-Khidmat Center.
- Bring your original CNIC (no photocopy needed).
- Staff will help you complete the process on the same day.
Also read: BISP 2025 Roster Update for Women Whose Rs. 13,500 Payment Was Stopped
Center Timings:
| Day | Timing |
|---|---|
| Monday–Saturday | 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Lunch Break | 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM |
| Friday Break | 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM |
✅ No service charges are required for this process.
How the Ehsaas Rashan Program Subsidy Works in 2025
Once you’re successfully registered in the ehsaas rashan program, you can start getting discounts on food items every month. The government does not give cash. Instead, you get cheaper prices on basic grocery items when you buy from registered kiryana shops or utility stores.
Items Covered Under the Program
You can buy these essential food items at discounted rates:
| Item Name | Discount Available |
|---|---|
| Wheat Flour (Aata) | ✅ |
| Sugar (Cheeni) | ✅ |
| Cooking Oil / Ghee | ✅ |
| Pulses (Daal) | ✅ |
| Rice (Chawal) | ✅ |
Also read: BISP Ehsaas Payment 2025: How to Verify Your Eligibility Online via CNIC
Where to Use the Subsidy
You can use your CNIC or Rashan Card at:
- Registered Kiryana (grocery) shops
- Utility Stores Corporation (USC) outlets
- Selected CSD stores
👉 Only shops that are connected with the National Bank of Pakistan app can provide the subsidy.
How Much Discount Do You Get?
Each eligible family gets a monthly subsidy of Rs. 2,000 to Rs. 4,500, depending on their poverty score and region.
- The shopkeeper enters your CNIC into their mobile system.
- If you’re eligible, you get a discount on your purchase.
- You also receive an SMS OTP (one-time code) to confirm the transaction.
- The subsidy is given instantly as a discount, and the store gets paid by the government digitally.
Also read: NSER Survey: Why It Is Important and How to Complete It for the Next BISP Payment
What is the Ehsaas Rashan Card and How to Use It?
In the ehsaas rashan program, most people use their CNIC to get discounts, but in some areas, the government also issues a special Rashan Card. This card is like an identity token that makes getting your monthly subsidy even easier and faster.
What is a Rashan Card?
A Rashan Card is a physical card given to eligible families who are part of the ehsaas rashan program. It is linked to their CNIC and NSER data. The card works like a digital voucher that lets you receive monthly food discounts from registered stores.
Benefits of the Rashan Card
- Quick discount at kiryana and utility stores
- No need to carry cash, just show the card
- Works like your CNIC, but faster in subsidy processing
- Increases transparency and reduces misuse of funds
- Helpful in future programs like fuel subsidy or Sehat Card
Where Can You Use the Rashan Card?
You can use it at:
- Registered kiryana shops
- Utility Stores
- CSD stores linked with the Ehsaas subsidy system
Also read: Punjab Plastic Bottle Recycling Green Credit Scheme
Common Problems and Troubleshooting the Ehsaas Rashan Program
Even though the ehsaas rashan program is simple, many people still face small problems while registering, checking status, or shopping from registered stores. In this section, we’ll explain the most common issues and provide easy solutions.
Common Issues and How to Fix Them
| Problem | Reason | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| No reply after sending CNIC to 8123 | SIM is not registered in your name | Use a mobile number that is registered on your CNIC |
| Not eligible even with low income | CNIC not updated in NSER database | Visit nearest Ehsaas Center to update information |
| App or portal shows error | Server busy or technical glitch | Try again later or use SMS method instead |
| OTP not received during store transaction | Weak mobile network or blocked messages | Check balance, signal strength, and message settings |
| CNIC not found in portal | You’re not registered in BISP or NSER | Register first at NSER or e-Khidmat Markaz |
Also read: Asan Karobar Scheme 2025 – Interest-Free Loans Punjab
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Conclusion – Why the Ehsaas Rashan Program Matters in 2025
In 2025, the ehsaas rashan program continues to be a lifeline for millions of families across Pakistan. With rising inflation, high food prices, and job losses, this program helps poor households afford daily food like flour, sugar, oil, and pulses. What makes this program special is that it’s easy to access, even for those who don’t have smartphones or internet. By using just a CNIC and SMS, families can get monthly subsidies in a simple and transparent way. The system also promotes digital inclusion by encouraging shopkeepers to use mobile apps and banking tools.
Even though the program faced political ups and downs, it remains an important part of Pakistan’s fight against poverty. From the launch in 2021 to the 8123 SMS system, and now with e-Khidmat centers and the Rashan card, every step has been focused on helping the most deserving people live with dignity.
