Ehsaas Rashan Program 2025 – Apply Online & Get Free Rashan

Introduction

Pakistan’s inflation has made it extremely difficult for low-income families to afford basic food items. Prices of flour, sugar, ghee, oil, and pulses are continuously increasing, making it hard for daily wage earners and struggling households to survive. To address this challenge, the Government of Pakistan launched the Ehsaas Rashan Program, a welfare initiative that provides free and subsidized groceries to deserving families.

In 2025, this program was expanded under the Punjab Ehsaas Rashan Program, offering relief to millions of families. With simple registration methods like the Ehsaas Rashan Portal and the SMS service 8123, families can easily apply and receive their subsidized ration.

In this detailed blog, we’ll cover everything you need to know.

Also Read: 8171 Ehsaas Program Rs. 25000 BISP

What Is the 8123 Ehsaas Rashan Program?

The Ehsaas Rashan Program is a government welfare initiative that helps poor and deserving families purchase essential groceries at subsidized rates. It was first launched in 2021, when Dr. Sania Nishtar, then Special Assistant to the Prime Minister, introduced the Ehsaas Rashan Riayat Portal. Through this portal, eligible families and registered karyana merchants could join the program and start receiving subsidies on essential food items like flour, sugar, ghee, and pulses.

In 2025, the program is still active and has been further revised to address the impact of rising inflation. Under the latest scheme, families can now get:

Monthly subsidy between PKR 2,000 and PKR 4,500 (depending on eligibility).
20% to 40% discount on essential food items through registered utility stores and karyana shops.
Easy registration and status checking through the Ehsaas Rashan Portal or SMS service 8123.

The program is managed by the Punjab Social Protection Authority (PSPA) along with other provincial authorities to ensure fair and transparent distribution of relief.

Subsidized Items under Ehsaas Rashan

The program focuses on essential daily use items. At registered karyana stores, beneficiaries can buy at discounted rates:

Atta (flour) – up to 40% cheaper
Ghee / Cooking Oil – subsidized price
Sugar – reduced rate
Daal (pulses) – various types at discounted prices
Other basic grocery items as approved by the government

Ehsaas Rashan Program Registration 2025

The Ehsaas Rashan Program Registration 2025 is simple and user-friendly. The government has provided multiple ways for families to apply and check their eligibility, including the Ehsaas Rashan Portal and the 8123 SMS service. Whether you live in a city or a rural area, you can register easily without needing an agent or paying anyone.

Below is the complete guide for registration:

1. Registration via SMS 8123

The 8123 Ehsaas Rashan registration method is the most common and convenient for people without internet access.

Steps:

Open the SMS option on your mobile phone.
Type your 13-digit CNIC number (without dashes).
Send it to 8123.
Wait for a reply from the Ehsaas system.
You’ll receive one of three messages:
- ✅ Eligible → You can start availing Rashan subsidies.
- ❌ Not Eligible → You don’t meet the poverty score criteria.
- ⏳ Under Review → Your data is being verified.

Important: Make sure your SIM is registered under your CNIC. If your SIM is not in your name, your registration will not be processed.

2. Online Registration via Ehsaas Rashan Portal / Check Eligibility CNIC Online

For those who have internet access, the government has launched the Ehsaas Rashan Portal to make the process even easier.

Steps:

Visit the official portal: ehsaas.punjab.gov.pk.
Click on “Ehsaas Rashan Registration 2025.”
Enter your CNIC number and mobile number.
Submit the form to check your eligibility.
If eligible, you can directly avail discounts at registered karyana shops and utility stores.

The portal also allows you to:

Check eligibility status.
Find registered karyana shops near your location.
Track Rashan subsidy history.

3. Registration Through e-Khidmat Markaz

If you face problems with online or SMS registration, you can visit the nearest e-Khidmat Markaz. These centers are available across Punjab and provide free assistance for:

Submitting your CNIC details.
Updating family records.
Checking eligibility on the spot.

This option is useful for widows, elderly people, or anyone who cannot use mobile/internet services.

Ehsaas Program Ration Card

For better management, the government has also introduced the Ehsaas Program Ration Card. With this card:

You can buy groceries from registered utility stores and kiryana shops.
Discounts are automatically applied.
It reduces the hassle of standing in long queues.

Families registered under the ehsaas rashan portal can request their ration card after verification.

Who Is Eligible for 8123 Ehsaas Rashan?

Not every household can benefit from the Ehsaas Rashan Program 2025. The government has carefully designed eligibility rules to make sure only the most deserving families receive support. If you’re planning to apply through the 8123 Ehsaas Rashan registration, you must meet the following requirements:

1. Monthly Income Less Than PKR 50,000

The program is aimed at low-income households. If your family’s total monthly income is below PKR 50,000, you qualify for the 8123 Ehsaas Rashan subsidy. This ensures that daily wage earners, laborers, and struggling families get the relief they need.

2. Poverty Score Below 39 (NSER Criteria)

Eligibility is verified through the National Socio-Economic Registry (NSER). Families with a poverty score below 39 are automatically considered deserving. This database helps the government filter out higher-income households and prevent misuse of the ehsaas rashan program.

Also Read: How PMT Score is Calculated

3. Must Have a Valid CNIC

A Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC) is mandatory for registration. Without a valid CNIC, you cannot apply via the Ehsaas Rashan Portal or through the 8123 SMS service. If your CNIC is expired, update it at NADRA before applying.

4. Mobile SIM Registered in Your Name

When applying through the 8123 SMS service, the mobile number you use must be registered under your CNIC. This rule ensures transparency and prevents duplicate registrations. Using someone else’s number may result in rejection of your ehsaas rashan registration.

5. Families Already Enrolled in BISP Are Prioritized

If your family is already a beneficiary of the Benazir Income Support Program (BISP), you are automatically given priority in the Ehsaas Rashan Program. This makes the process easier, as your poverty score and income status are already verified in the system.

6. Special Categories (Widows, Disabled & Elderly Citizens)

The government has taken special measures to include vulnerable groups in society:

Widows: Encouraged to register and receive support through their CNIC.
Disabled Persons: Can apply easily through the Ehsaas Rashan Portal or at e-Khidmat centers.
Senior Citizens (above 60 years): Given preference due to limited income sources.

These groups are strongly supported under the Punjab Ehsaas Rashan Program to ensure no one is left behind.

Why Eligibility Rules Matter

The eligibility criteria for 8123 Ehsaas Rashan are designed to ensure:

Fair distribution of government subsidies.
Transparency in the registration process.
Support for the most vulnerable households who truly need food relief.

By setting these requirements, the Punjab Social Protection Authority (PSPA) ensures that the Ehsaas Program Ration Card and discounts reach genuine beneficiaries only.

Steps for Shopkeeper Registration in Ehsaas Rashan Program 2025

The Punjab Ehsaas Rashan Riayat Program is not just for families — it also includes local shopkeepers and karyana stores who want to participate. By becoming an affiliated store, shopkeepers can sell groceries at subsidized rates to beneficiaries and earn a commission from the government.

The registration process for shopkeepers is simple and transparent, thanks to the partnership with Bank of Punjab (BOP) and National Bank of Pakistan (NBP).

Here are the steps for shopkeeper registration:

Step 1: Visit Partner Bank

Go to the nearest branch of the Bank of Punjab (BOP) or National Bank of Pakistan (NBP).
These two banks are official partners of the Ehsaas Rashan Program for shopkeeper enrollment.

Step 2: Fill Out the Registration Form

Request the Ehsaas Rashan Shopkeeper Registration Form from the bank.
Provide your basic details:
- CNIC number
- Shop name and address
- Mobile number registered on your CNIC
- Bank account details

Step 3: Submit Required Documents

You will need to attach the following documents with your application:

Copy of valid CNIC
Proof of shop ownership or rent agreement
Business license / trade certificate (if available)
Passport-size photograph

Step 4: Verification Process

The bank will verify your CNIC and business details.
Once verified, your shop will be added to the list of registered Ehsaas Rashan stores.
You will also receive digital support to process beneficiary subsidies.

Step 5: Start Selling with Subsidy

After successful registration, you can officially sell discounted items (flour, sugar, ghee, pulses, etc.) to Ehsaas beneficiaries.
The subsidy is automatically applied when customers show their CNIC at your shop.
Shopkeepers receive a commission and timely payments from the government through their bank accounts.

Common Issues in Ehsaas Rashan Registration

Many applicants face issues while applying. Here are some common problems and solutions:

Invalid CNIC – Make sure your CNIC is valid and updated with NADRA.
SIM not registered – The mobile number must be registered in your name.
Already registered – If you have already applied, you don’t need to register again.
Delay in response – Sometimes, due to heavy load, responses from 8123 may take time.

Latest Updates on Ehsaas Rashan 2025

The government has increased the budget for the ehsaas rashan program to cover more families.
Beneficiaries can now purchase subsidized items from more utility stores across Pakistan.
Digital ration cards are being rolled out for smoother transactions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. How can I check my Ehsaas Rashan status?
Ans: Visit ehsaas.punjab.gov.pk or send CNIC to 8123.

Q2. Can I apply if my income is more than PKR 50,000?
Ans: No, the program is strictly for low-income families.

Q3. Is there a deadline for registration?
Ans: The program is ongoing in 2025, but early registration is advised.

Q4. Do I need a Rashan Card?
Ans: No, CNIC is enough to get a subsidy.

Q5. Are shopkeepers benefiting too?
Ans: Yes, registered shopkeepers receive commission and digital payment support.

Conclusion

The Ehsaas Rashan Program 2025 is one of the most effective poverty relief initiatives in Pakistan. By providing monthly subsidies of PKR 2,000–4,500 and up to 40% discounts on groceries, it ensures millions of families across Punjab and other provinces can meet their basic food needs.

👉 If you’re eligible, don’t wait. Send your CNIC to 8123 or apply via the Ehsaas Rashan Portal today. Share this information with neighbors, relatives, and friends—because someone’s meal tomorrow might depend on this awareness.