LAHORE: The Punjab Socioeconomic Registry Project was launched on Thursday to see who is entitled to social protection programmes of the government.

“Social Registry is essential for the classification of beneficiaries,” said Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz while addressing the inauguration ceremony of the project here. She said Punjab had a population of 130 million but it was not known how many people fall into which socio-economic category.

“More than 5,000 registration centers have been set up across Punjab for the purpose. By registering in the Socio-Economic Registry, people will be entitled to social protection programmes of the government.”

The CM said the people could register themselves on the portal even sitting at their homes. They can also contact Punjab Socio-Economic Registry Helpline “0800-02345”.

Highlighting the importance of credible data, she said: “While monitoring the delivery of relief package to the people of Punjab at their doorsteps during Ramazan, we found that the undeserving people also got it because we had no credible data. During physical verification, it was also found that people were not residing as per the data. Ramadan packages were distributed to the public using the data of Nadra and Benazir Income Support Programme.” She said there was also no authentic data about farmers.

“To avoid tax, many farmers have divided their land into 12 acres and registered them under the Kissan Card. There is also no reliable data on persons with disabilities either.” She said that authentic crime data for each district was being compiled.

“It is sad that many of the 130m residents cannot afford to pay their electricity bills. Electricity bills are more than the monthly income of many people. We are, therefore, bringing solar project for 4.5 million consumers in Punjab, which will reduce their electricity bills by half.”

Meanwhile, the CM directed the authorities concerned to link “Women Safety App” with “Careem” for the safety of women drivers and riders. The government is introducing rules to improve rider services, she said.

Published in Dawn, July 26th, 2024