P&D Board Partners with NADRA to Enhance Punjab Social Welfare

In a significant move aimed at enhancing social welfare in Punjab, the Planning & Development Board has officially signed an agreement with the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA). This agreement, finalized on Friday, marks a crucial step towards strengthening the Punjab Social Economic Registry (PSER), a vital tool for data-driven decision-making in social protection initiatives.

The signing ceremony took place at the P&D Board office, where key figures such as Secretary P&D Board Dr. Asif Tufail and Chief Projects Officer of NADRA Rehman Qamar represented their respective organizations. The event was graced by Chairman P&D Board Barrister Nabeel Ahmad Awan, along with Chief Economist Masood Anwar and other members of the P&D Board, highlighting the importance of this collaboration.

Under the terms of the agreement, NADRA will play a pivotal role in enriching and validating the data collected through the PSER. This partnership aims to ensure that the data management process is centralized, while also upholding the highest standards of privacy and protection for citizens' information. By facilitating both physical registration centers and a door-to-door survey, NADRA will make it easier for citizens across Punjab to register, thereby expanding access to the PSER.

Inaugurated by Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz on July 25, 2024, this initiative is a landmark achievement in establishing a robust data-driven decision support system. The agreement is designed to ensure that the data of each family member is accurately collected and validated through NADRA. This meticulous approach aims to exclude affluent families from social protection initiatives while ensuring that all underprivileged families receive the support they need.

The PSER stands as Pakistan's first provincial-level socio-economic database, meticulously crafted to ensure that every individual is accounted for. This comprehensive database will empower the government with the necessary data to make informed decisions and effectively target social protection initiatives. By gathering detailed information on Punjab's population, the PSER will be instrumental in verifying eligibility for various welfare programs, including the Punjab Kisan Card, Livestock Card, E-Bike Scheme, and Chief Minister's Ramadan Package.

Moreover, during crises or natural disasters, the PSER will enable timely assistance to vulnerable households, reinforcing the Punjab government's commitment to a transparent and effective social protection system. By leveraging NADRA's expertise, the PSER is set to become an essential tool for equitable welfare distribution across the province, ultimately contributing to a more inclusive and resilient Punjab.

The collaboration between the Planning & Development Board and NADRA is not just a bureaucratic agreement; it is a promise to the people of Punjab. By ensuring that every citizen is counted and supported, this initiative paves the way for a brighter future where social welfare is accessible to all, fostering a sense of community and shared responsibility. As Punjab moves forward with this ambitious project, it sets a precedent for other provinces to follow, demonstrating the power of data in driving social change.