CM Punjab Dhee Rani Programme 2025 – Dignified Mass Weddings
Marriage is one of the most important milestones in a person’s life, but for thousands of families in Punjab, the rising cost of weddings often turns this happy occasion into a source of stress and financial struggle. Recognizing this challenge, CM Punjab Dhee Rani Programme, a compassionate social welfare initiative designed to help underprivileged girls marry with dignity and ease. The program not only reduces the financial burden on families but also promotes equality, inclusivity, and social support for those who need it most.
Through this scheme, the Punjab government organizes collective mass weddings, providing each bride with a cash gift of PKR 100,000 (Salami), along with a dowry package worth over PKR 200,000, including essential household items. In its second phase, the program has expanded to benefit around 5,000 couples annually, covering orphans, girls from low-income families, and even daughters of persons with disabilities.
More than just financial assistance, the Dhee Rani Program is about restoring hope, dignity, and confidence for young women and their families. By reducing economic pressure, it allows them to celebrate weddings with pride transforming what once seemed like an impossible dream into a beautiful reality.
Key Data & Facts – CM Punjab Dhee Rani Programme
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Launched | January 2025 by CM Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif |
| Target Beneficiaries (Phase-1) | ~ 3,000 couples (girls) across Punjab |
| Phase‐II Expansion | Increased to ~5,000 weddings per year under Phase 2 |
| Cash Gift (Salami) | PKR 100,000 via ATM card for each bride |
| Dowry / Gift Package Value | Approximately PKR 206,000 worth of household / dowry items (bed, mattress, dinner set, etc.) |
| Eligibility | Unmarried girls aged 18-40, orphans / destitute / PWD / daughters of PWD, Punjab domicile, willing to participate in collective marriage, apply via portal or social welfare offices. |
| Application Methods | Online via CMP-Punjab portal (cmp.punjab.gov.pk), physical offices Social Welfare & Bait-ul-Maal, helpline 1312. |
ALSO APPLY: CM PUNJAB DHEE RANI PROGRAM
How It Works: Program Structure & Benefits
What Benefits Are Provided
- Salami (Cash Gift): Each bride receives PKR 100,000 via ATM card as a gift from the Chief Minister.
- Dowry / Gift Package: Material dowry composed of household essentials — Holy Quran, prayer mat, wooden double bed with mattress, mirror, dinner set, kitchen items etc. The package is worth ~PKR 206,000.
- Wedding Ceremony Arranged: Collective weddings are organized by the government so many couples marry at the same time, reducing burden and costs.
Phase II Enhancements
- The number of collective weddings increased from 3,000 to 5,000 annually.
- Gift “Salami Card” value and furniture/useful home items provided.
Who Is Eligible for CM Punjab Dhee Rani Programme?
- Must be a female (girl / bride) aged 18-40 years.
- Unmarried. If already married, not eligible.
- Belong to underprivileged categories: orphans, destitute, persons with disabilities (PWDs), or daughters of PWDs.
- Must be domiciled in Punjab.
- Applicant can be bride herself, or her parents / guardian.
- If applications exceed capacity, selection is done by electronic lottery (balloting).
Application Process
- Where to Apply: Through the official Punjab portal (cmp.punjab.gov.pk) or Social Welfare & Bait-ul-Maal offices.
- Documents Needed: CNIC, Punjab domicile certificate, affidavit confirming unmarried status, proof of orphanhood / disability if applicable.
- Helpline: 1312 for guidance.
- Notification: Selected applicants are informed in advance through SMS or official channels about wedding date & venue.
Impact & Real-Life Examples
Phase II events:
- In Khushab, Noorpur Thal, Quaidabad etc, mass weddings for dozens of couples were held, with gifts and financial support.
- In Lahore Division, 120 couples were married, including Christian couples and persons with special needs. Each couple got gift packages worth approx. Rs 222,000.
- Events in Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum, Chakwal, Murree also took place, benefiting many couples.
- Budget & Scale: Around Rs 1 billion allocated in Phase 1, later expanded, showing government prioritization.
Strengths, Challenges & Criticisms
Strengths
- Helps relieve financial burden of marriage on poor families.
- Enhances social dignity and inclusivity (orphans, PWDs, religious minorities).
- Promotes transparency (online portal, lottery system).
Challenges & Concerns
Demand likely higher than capacity → many may still be left out.
- Logistical issues: arranging mass weddings, verifying eligibility, maintaining quality of dowry items.
- Awareness: remote areas may lack information about how to apply.
Why It Matters
This scheme is emotionally powerful marriage is a deeply social, spiritual, and family moment. When economic hardship blocks that, it causes stress, stigma, and missed opportunities. The CM Punjab Dhee Rani Programme 2025 represents a government’s attempt to bridge that gap with compassion, dignity, and fairness.
FAQs
When was the Dhee Rani Programme launched?
It was officially inaugurated in January 2025 by CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif.
How many weddings will be supported?
Initially ~3,000; in Phase II the number was increased to ~5,000 weddings per year.
Who can apply, and how?
Unmarried girls aged 18-40, orphans / PWDs / daughters of PWDs, with Punjab domicile. Apply via the online portal (cmp.punjab.gov.pk), or via Social Welfare & Bait-ul-Maal offices. Helpline 1312 is also available.
How are applicants selected?
If applications exceed available spots, selection is done through electronic balloting (lottery) to ensure fairness.
