The Ehsaas Rashan Program (often referred to as the Rashan Riayat Program) has been revitalized for 2026 to provide significant subsidies on essential food items like flour, ghee, pulses, and sugar. In Punjab, this program is closely integrated with the Ramzan Nigehban Package and the 8123 registration portal.
The 8123 portal is the primary gateway for families to verify their eligibility and secure discounts at designated utility stores and registered grocery shops.
8123 Rashan Program 2026
| Feature | Official Details (March 2026 Update) |
| Primary SMS Code | 8123 (Send 13-digit CNIC) |
| Subsidy Type | 30% to 40% Discount on essential groceries |
| Monthly Limit | Up to Rs. 4,000 to Rs. 5,000 in total subsidies |
| Target Audience | Families with income under Rs. 50,000 |
| Distribution | Utility Stores & Registered “Karyana” Stores |
| Verification | Biometric (Thumbprint) at the shop |
2026 Registration Process: How to Apply
The government has simplified the registration to ensure even those without smartphones can apply.
- SMS Method (Fastest): Open your mobile’s SMS app. Type your 13-digit CNIC number (no dashes) and send it to 8123. Ensure the SIM is registered in your name to avoid verification errors.
- Web Portal Method: Visit the official Punjab welfare portal (often linked via pser.punjab.gov.pk). Enter your CNIC to see if your household is already part of the Punjab Socio-Economic Registry.
- In-Person: If you face issues, visit the nearest BISP Tehsil Office or a designated Utility Store with your original CNIC to update your household survey.
Eligibility Criteria for 2026
To prevent misuse, the 2026 “Smart Subsidy” system automatically checks the following:
- PMT Score: Your Poverty Means Test score must be below 40. (BISP Kafalat beneficiaries are automatically eligible).
- Employment: No family member should be a high-ranking government official.
- Utility Bills: Monthly electricity bills should generally be below Rs. 10,000 for the past six months.
- Mobile Ownership: The applicant must have a mobile phone registered on their CNIC to receive the OTP (One-Time Password) at the store.
3. How to Verify Your Status Online
- Go to the 8123 Web Portal (officially hosted on government welfare domains).
- Enter your CNIC number.
- Check the status:
- Eligible: You can go to any registered store immediately.
- Under Verification: Your data is being cross-checked with NADRA.
- Not Eligible: Your household income or assets exceed the program limits.
How to Claim the Rashan Discount
Once you receive an “Eligible” message:
- Visit any Utility Store or a grocery shop displaying the Ehsaas/Nigehban Rashan banner.
- Select your items (Atta, Dal, Ghee, Sugar).
- Provide your CNIC and the mobile phone used for registration.
- A code will be sent to your phone; share it with the shopkeeper and provide your thumbprint on the biometric machine.
- The discount (e.g., Rs. 1,000 off on a bill of Rs. 3,000) will be applied instantly.
Pro-Tip for March 2026
With the start of Ramadan just days away, the 8123 and 8070 systems are under heavy load. If you don’t get an SMS reply immediately, wait 24 hours or try checking late at night. Additionally, make sure your B-Form data is updated at NADRA, as the 2026 system now calculates eligibility based on the entire family’s combined income.