Mazdoor card scheme termed ‘unprecedented’
Spokesman for the Punjab government Fayyazul Hasan Chohan on Saturday said for the first time in the history of Pakistan the incumbent government is introducing Mazdoor Card, after Sehat and Kisaan cards.
“The Mazdoor Card initiative is the pride of the Buzdar government. The scope of this card will be expanded to the whole province,” he said.
He said with the support of Punjab Bank, 1.1 million workers will get Mazdoor Cards and about 68 million people from the low-income strata will also be benefited from this card.
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Chohan said the Mazdoor Card will be used as a debit card and identity code. He further said that the card will be accepted at hospitals and dispensaries of the Social Security Institute as well in enlisted private hospitals across the province.
The card will give 11 cash benefits to its recipient besides ensuring the minimum wages to the labourers. Workers would get benefits from Industrial Workers Housing Schemes and Akhuwat through Mazdoor Card, while a 30% discount can be availed on the products of 150 companies.
“Concession will be given to the workers from railways, stores and private schools. Work is being carried out to interlink Sehat Saholat Card with Mazdoor Card, he added.
Chohan added that Prime Minister Imran Khan will soon launch the first of its kind and unique Punjab Cards, for which an MoU has been signed between the Punjab Employees Social Security Institution (PEESI) and the Bank of Punjab.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 3rd, 2021.