The Punjab government has introduced several public welfare schemes under Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif. These programs cover areas such as education, housing, business loans, financial assistance, ration support and employment opportunities.
Because every scheme has different requirements, people should check the eligibility criteria before applying. Some programs are also limited to specific groups or districts.
Popular Maryam Nawaz Schemes
One of the major education initiatives is the Honhaar Scholarship Program, which provides 100% tuition fee support to eligible students studying in selected universities, colleges and medical institutions. The program uses academic merit and financial need as important criteria. The Punjab government has also introduced a laptop scheme for eligible students in public-sector institutions.
For housing, the Apni Chhat Apna Ghar Program is aimed at low-income families who meet the required conditions. Applicants must generally be Punjab residents and own a small piece of land on which they intend to construct a house. The program has a target of providing 100,000 affordable houses or apartments across Punjab.
People interested in starting or expanding a small business can also look at the CM Punjab Asaan Karobar Card. The scheme offers interest-free financing of up to Rs. 1 million to eligible small entrepreneurs in Punjab. Applicants must meet the age, residency, CNIC and business-related requirements.
Another initiative is the Dhee Rani Program, which supports deserving brides through a collective marriage program. For the 2025-26 program, the government announced support for 5,000 weddings, with Rs. 200,000 provided to each couple as a gift.
Who Can Apply?
Eligibility depends entirely on the scheme. Common requirements include:
- Valid CNIC
- Punjab domicile or permanent residence
- Meeting the required age limit
- Meeting income or financial-need conditions where applicable
- Educational qualifications for student schemes
- Ownership or land requirements for housing programs
- Meeting specific employment or business conditions for business schemes
For example, the Apni Chhat Apna Ghar program requires applicants to be registered in the relevant socioeconomic database and meet its land and income-related conditions.
How to Register and Apply
Most major Punjab schemes now provide an online application option. Applicants should first visit the official Punjab government or relevant department website and create an account if required.
You may need your CNIC, mobile number, domicile, educational documents, income information, land records or other supporting documents depending on the scheme.
Punjab’s Maryam Ke Dastak platform also provides a one-window system for several government services and allows citizens to apply online or request doorstep assistance.
How to Check Application Status
After submitting an application, keep your application number, CNIC and registered mobile number safe. Some schemes provide a dedicated online status-check facility.
For example, the Apni Chhat Apna Ghar portal has a specific Applicant Status section where applicants can check details such as their application ID and current status.
For general assistance, Punjab government helplines are also available. The Punjab Portal currently lists 0800-02345 for the Chief Minister Complaint Center, while 1317 is listed for citizen facilitation services related to housing schemes.
Before submitting an application, always verify the latest deadline, eligibility requirements and registration method from the official government source. Do not pay unofficial agents or share your CNIC and banking information with unknown websites.
