Searching for “rashan program” and confused by mixed, outdated info? You’re not alone. This guide explains how ration subsidies work in Pakistan, how to check eligibility with your CNIC, where to get discounts (like Utility Stores), how to register, what documents you’ll need, and how to avoid scams. The steps are simple and free—no agent and no fee required.
Quick links
- 8171 status portal: https://8171.bisp.gov.pk
- BISP site: https://bisp.gov.pk
- Utility Stores (USC): https://usc.org.pk
- Tip: Program names and rules can vary by province and budget cycle. Always confirm on official portals or at your local office.
Ways to use your CNIC for the “rashan program”
| Channel/Code | Purpose | How to use | Where it applies | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8171 (portal/SMS) | Check if your household is listed as a low-income beneficiary (often qualifies you for ration subsidies) | Portal: 8171.bisp.gov.pk or SMS CNIC to 8171 | Nationwide (BISP/Ehsaas status) | Free (SMS at standard rate) |
| 8123 (SMS) | Check/confirm eligibility for Punjab’s rashan/relief schemes when active | SMS your CNIC (no dashes) to 8123 and follow reply | Punjab (when scheme is active) | Standard SMS rate |
| 5566 (SMS) | Get OTP for Utility Stores targeted discounts on essentials | Send CNIC to 5566; show OTP + CNIC at checkout | Utility Stores across Pakistan | Standard SMS rate |
| Tehsil/PSPA/Local office | Enroll/update data via survey (if record missing or changed) | Visit with CNIC and documents; request NSER or provincial survey | Your district/tehsil offices | Free (no official fee) |
Note: Availability and names change (Ehsaas Rashan Riayat, Ramadan relief, etc.). If one channel is paused, another may be active.
What is the “Rashan Program”?
“Rashan program” generally refers to government-supported food subsidies or ration relief for low-income households. It can appear as:
- BISP-linked subsidies: Households verified as eligible via 8171 often receive subsidized prices at partner outlets.
- Provincial schemes (e.g., Punjab rashan/relief): Eligibility checks often run via 8123, with discounts or packages during specific cycles like Ramadan.
- Utility Stores targeted subsidy: Discounts on staples (flour, ghee/oil, sugar, pulses) using a CNIC + 5566 OTP at checkout.
The goal: reduce monthly grocery costs for vulnerable families using verified CNIC-based targeting.
How to check eligibility with your CNIC
Option A — 8171 (recommended to confirm beneficiary status)
- Go to 8171.bisp.gov.pk and enter your CNIC + captcha; or
- SMS your 13-digit CNIC (no dashes) to 8171.
- Save the response. If you’re shown as eligible/beneficiary, you’re more likely to access ration subsidies where offered.
Option B — 8123 (Punjab schemes, when active)
- SMS your CNIC (no dashes) to 8123.
- Follow the reply for your current status or next steps.
Option C — Utility Stores 5566 OTP (to redeem discount)
- At the store or before shopping, send your CNIC to 5566.
- You’ll receive a one-time code (OTP).
- Present your CNIC and OTP at checkout to apply any available targeted discount on eligible items.
If you see “record not found,” proceed to the survey/update steps below.
Not found in the system? Do a survey/update
If you are told “not eligible” or “no record,” your household may need a fresh survey or an update:
- National survey (NSER) via BISP Tehsil Office:
- Purpose: add/update your household in the database used for many benefits.
- Bring: CNICs, children’s B-Forms, proof of address, disability cert (if any), mobile number in your name.
- Provincial help desks (e.g., PSPA in Punjab) when their rashan scheme is active:
- Ask about current eligibility rules, registration windows, and any forms or counters near you.
Important: There is no fee for surveys or eligibility checks. Avoid agents who promise “instant approval.”
Documents you should carry
| Document | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Original CNIC (preferably female head of household) | Primary identity used in targeting |
| CNICs of other adult family members | Completes household profile |
| B-Forms/Child Registration Certificates | Needed for family-size accuracy; links to education stipends |
| Proof of address (utility bill if available) | Confirms residence and district |
| Disability certificate + special CNIC (if applicable) | May unlock additional relief |
| Mobile number in your CNIC | Required for OTPs and status SMS (8171/8123/5566) |
Pro tip: Keep photocopies with you; it speeds things up.
How to redeem discounts under the rashan program
A) Utility Stores Corporation (USC)
- Before or during checkout:
- Send your CNIC to 5566 and get the OTP.
- Show your original CNIC + OTP to the cashier.
- Eligible items will ring up with the discounted price.
- Notes:
- Discounts and item lists vary with federal budget decisions.
- OTPs are time-limited; don’t share yours with anyone.
B) Provincial rashan partners (e.g., Punjab when active)
- Karyana shops or designated outlets may use an app to verify your CNIC.
- You may receive an SMS from 8123 with where/when to collect discount or package.
- Follow instructions on the official SMS—do not trust third-party links.
Karyana merchant corner (if you want to accept rashan discounts)
If you run a store and want to participate:
- Typical requirements:
- CNIC, active mobile number, bank account (IBAN), and shop documents.
- Android smartphone to run the official app (provincial or USC partner app).
- Physical verification by the implementing agency.
- Where to start:
- Utility Stores regional office (for USC partnerships), or
- Your province’s social protection authority/food department when schemes open.
- Payments:
- Subsidy reimbursement is usually settled to the merchant’s bank account after verification. Keep all invoices and digital logs.
Tip: Never use unofficial apps. Only install from official links provided by USC/provincial authorities.
Common problems and quick fixes
| Problem | Why it happens | What to try |
|---|---|---|
| “Record not found” (8171/8123) | Not surveyed or data outdated | Visit BISP Tehsil Office for NSER update; ask provincial desk about current enrollment |
| “Not eligible” despite hardship | NSER score above threshold or incomplete data | Update household info (income, family size, disability); request reassessment |
| No OTP from 5566 | Network delay or SIM not in your CNIC | Retry after a few minutes; use a SIM registered to your CNIC |
| CNIC expired/blocked | NADRA record issue | Renew at NADRA; allow sync time, then recheck 8171/8123/5566 |
| Discount not applied at USC | Item not on subsidized list or OTP expired | Confirm eligible items; generate a new OTP; try another USC outlet |
| Confusing SMS/links | Fake messages or phishing | Only trust short codes 8171, 8123, 5566 and official websites |
Keep notes of any error messages and take them along to your local office—it speeds up support.
Who is likely to qualify?
You’re more likely to qualify for the rashan program if:
- Your household is categorized as low-income in the National Socio-Economic Registry (NSER).
- You are a BISP-verified household (checked via 8171).
- You belong to a vulnerable group (widow, person with disability with special CNIC, or have school-going children eligible for stipends).
- Your records (CNIC, address, family size) are accurate and up to date.
If you’re marked ineligible today, you can still update your data and request reassessment—especially if your income, family size, or circumstances have changed.
Safety first: avoid scams
- Only trust official short codes: 8171, 8123, 5566.
- Don’t share CNIC photos, OTPs, or fingerprints with strangers.
- Never pay an “agent fee” for enrollment or faster approval—registration is free.
- Ignore random WhatsApp/Facebook links promising “instant rashan.”
- Keep your receipt when redeeming discounts.
FAQs: Rashan Program
- Is the rashan program active right now?
It depends on federal/provincial budgets and cycles (Ramadan relief, targeted subsidies). Check 8171 status, try 5566 at Utility Stores, and watch provincial announcements. - Is there free rashan or only discounts?
Typically you get targeted discounts on staple items. Some provinces run time-limited free packages (e.g., during Ramadan). - Can I apply fully online?
Eligibility is mostly auto-verified via your CNIC and survey records. If you’re not found, you’ll need an in-person survey/update at a Tehsil Office. - Do I need a bank account?
Beneficiaries don’t need one to get discounts at Utility Stores. Merchants, however, usually need a bank account for reimbursements. - Can men apply?
Yes. Household eligibility is based on NSER/BISP data. For cash support (BISP Kafaalat), the registered beneficiary is typically the female head of household. - How do I know my store is legit?
Prefer official Utility Stores or outlets listed/verified by your provincial program. If in doubt, ask to see their official app/authorization.
Your simple action plan
- Check your beneficiary status: 8171.bisp.gov.pk or SMS CNIC 8171.
- For Punjab (when active): SMS CNIC by 8123 for the position of Rashan/Relief.
- In utility stores: SMS CNIC Two 5566, OTP, show OTP + CNIC in checkout, and rebate discounts on eligible objects.
- If the “records not found” or details are older: visit the bisp tehsil office for an NSER update; Ask your provincial aid desk about the current ration enrollment.
- Stay safe: only 8171, 8123, 5566 and use official websites; Never pay the agent.