The Punjab Government has introduced an important welfare and financial inclusion initiative for industrial workers known as the Punjab Benazir Mazdoor Card. Launched in collaboration between the Punjab Employees Social Security Institution (PESSI) and the Bank of Punjab (BOP), this smart card works both as an ATM-enabled debit card and an official identity card for registered laborers across Punjab.
Often confused with the Sindh government’s Benazir Mazdoor Card, this Punjab version offers similar social protection, healthcare access, and financial support to millions of workers in the province. In this complete guide, you will learn what the Punjab Benazir Mazdoor Card is, its benefits, eligibility criteria, how to apply, and the latest official details.
What is the Punjab Benazir Mazdoor Card?
The Punjab Mazdoor Card is a government-backed smart card issued to registered industrial and commercial workers in Punjab. It links workers directly with social security benefits, medical facilities, welfare grants, and digital salary payments.
The card is jointly managed by:
- Punjab Employees Social Security Institution (PESSI)
- Bank of Punjab (BOP)
It ensures transparency in wage payments, improves healthcare access, and helps laborers receive government support without middlemen.
WhatsApp Channel
Key Benefits of Punjab Benazir Mazdoor Card
This card offers multiple financial and welfare services under one system:
1. Financial Inclusion
- Works as a standard ATM and debit card
- Used to withdraw salary and receive government grants
- Digital payroll tracking ensures transparency
2. Free Medical Facilities
Cardholders can get treatment at:
- 23 PESSI hospitals
- More than 250 PESSI dispensaries across Punjab
3. Commercial Discounts
Workers receive 5% to 45% discounts at over 150 partner retail outlets, including:
- Grocery stores
- Clothing brands
- Daily-use shops
4. Welfare Grants and Scholarships
The card simplifies access to:
- Marriage grants
- Death compensation grants
- Talent scholarships for workers’ children
5. Minimum Wage Protection
The digital system helps the government ensure that workers are paid at least the legally approved minimum wage.
Eligibility Criteria for Punjab Benazir Mazdoor Card
To qualify for the card, an applicant must:
- Be a registered industrial worker with PESSI
- Be employed in a formal industrial unit or registered commercial establishment
- Hold a valid CNIC
- Be officially registered by the employer with social security
Unregistered or informal workers must first be registered through their employer.
How to Apply for Punjab Benazir Mazdoor Card
The application process is handled mainly through employers and PESSI offices.
Here is the step-by-step process:
| Step | Action |
| 1 | Employer registers the worker with PESSI as a secured employee |
| 2 | Worker data is shared with the Bank of Punjab for account creation |
| 3 | Worker visits BOP branch or PESSI office for biometric verification |
| 4 | Card is issued and distributed through workplace or bank branch |
There is no direct online public registration at this stage. Workers must apply through their employer.
Important Difference: Punjab vs Sindh Benazir Mazdoor Card
Many people confuse the Punjab program with the Sindh scheme.
- Punjab Mazdoor Card is managed by PESSI + Bank of Punjab
- Sindh Benazir Mazdoor Card is managed by SESSI (Sindh Employees Social Security Institution)
Both programs aim to protect workers, but they are operated by separate provincial governments.
Latest Updates and Government Plans
As per recent updates:
- The government is expanding hospital coverage and retail partners
- Digital wage tracking is being strengthened to stop underpayment
- More workers are being registered through industrial units
Officials have advised workers to confirm their registration status with their employer or nearest PESSI office.
Conclusion
The Punjab Benazir Mazdoor Card is a major step toward protecting workers’ rights, improving healthcare access, and ensuring fair wages through a transparent digital system. If you are a registered industrial worker in Punjab, this card can open the door to medical care, financial support, and valuable discounts for your family.
Because when a worker is protected today, the future of the entire family becomes stronger tomorrow.
FAQs – Punjab Benazir Mazdoor Card
1. Who can apply for the Punjab Benazir Mazdoor Card?
Only registered industrial and commercial workers enrolled with PESSI and holding a valid CNIC can apply.
2. Is online registration available for this card?
No, registration is done through the employer and PESSI offices, not directly by workers online.
3. What medical facilities are provided with this card?
Cardholders can get free treatment at 23 PESSI hospitals and more than 250 dispensaries across Punjab.
4. Can I use this card as an ATM or debit card?
Yes, the card works as an ATM-enabled debit card for salary withdrawal and government grants.
5. Is this the same as the Sindh Benazir Mazdoor Card?
No, this is a Punjab government program managed by PESSI and Bank of Punjab, while the Sindh version is run by SESSI.
