Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has remarked that electricity bills are now comparable to people’s monthly incomes. Addressing the inaugural ceremony of the Punjab Social Economic Registry Project, CM Maryam Nawaz emphasized the critical need for accurate data for future planning, asserting that reliable data will ensure efficient delivery of relief to those in need.
She highlighted the necessity of a social registry for categorizing beneficiaries, stressing that authenticated data is being compiled for each district, including information on disabled individuals. She expressed her desire for authenticated data to ensure rightful entitlements for the deserving, especially under social protection programs.
Maryam Nawaz stated, “The province’s 13 crore population cannot afford to pay their electricity bills, which often consume a significant portion of their monthly incomes.” She acknowledged the financial strain faced by many households, emphasizing the government’s efforts to alleviate this through initiatives like the solar energy project, expected to halve electricity bills for 4.5 million consumers in Punjab.
The Chief Minister also announced the establishment of over 5,000 registration centers where residents can register themselves online for benefits. For assistance, she directed citizens to contact the Punjab Social Economic Registry helpline at 080002345.
The initiatives are part of Punjab’s broader efforts to mitigate financial burdens on households and enhance social welfare programs.