The Punjab government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, has taken a big step to modernize the wage payment system for forest workers. The traditional cash-based system has been replaced with a branchless digital payment system, aiming to promote transparency, efficiency, and worker protection.
وزیر اعلیٰ مریم نواز کی قیادت میں پنجاب حکومت نے جنگلات کے کارکنوں کے لیے اجرت کی ادائیگی کے نظام کو جدید بنانے کے لیے بڑا قدم اٹھایا ہے۔ روایتی نقدی پر مبنی نظام کو برانچ لیس ڈیجیٹل ادائیگی کے نظام سے بدل دیا گیا ہے، جس کا مقصد شفافیت، کارکردگی اور کارکنوں کے تحفظ کو فروغ دینا ہے۔
Key Highlights of the Punjab Forest Workers to Get Wages Digitally
- 💰 No more cash payments – wages will now be sent directly to workers’ mobile bank accounts.
- 🔐 Biometric verification required before payment.
- 📲 SMS alerts for every transaction.
- 🏦 System implemented with the support of Bank of Punjab.
- 🛡️ Aims to eliminate corruption, payment delays, and unfair deductions.
Why Was the Cash System Replaced?
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz announced that the outdated cash payment method allowed room for corruption and exploitation. The new digital system ensures that all financial transactions are just, traceable, and secure.
“Every payment will now be made fairly and transparently. The old, corrupt system is gone for good,” said CM Maryam Nawaz.
How Does the New System Work?
Here’s a simple explanation of how the new wage system operates:
- Mobile Account Setup
Forest workers are provided with mobile bank accounts in partnership with the Bank of Punjab. - Biometric Verification
Workers verify their identity through a fingerprint scan before receiving payment. - Instant SMS Notification
Once payment is made, an SMS alert confirms the transaction.
Benefits for Forest Workers
✅ No middlemen – workers receive full payments directly.
✅ Faster access to wages.
✅ Zero risk of theft or fraud.
✅ Easy record keeping with SMS confirmations.
✅ Improved financial inclusion for remote and low-income workers.
Official Table – Punjab Forest Workers to Get Wages Digitally
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| 📌 Initiative By | CM Punjab Maryam Nawaz |
| 🏢 Implementing Department | Punjab Forest Department |
| 🏦 Banking Partner | Bank of Punjab |
| 💳 Payment Mode | Branchless mobile banking |
| 🧾 Verification Method | Biometric (fingerprint) |
| 📲 Notification System | SMS alerts after every wage transfer |
| ❌ Eliminated Problems | Cash delays, corruption, unauthorized deductions, exploitation |
| 🎯 Objective | Transparency, efficiency, fairness, and worker empowerment |
| 🚀 Status | Fully operational in Forest Department |
Government’s Broader Vision for Public Services
In addition to digitizing wage payments, CM Maryam Nawaz has abolished all fees for birth and death registration across Punjab. According to the Punjab Birth and Death Registration Rules 2025, citizens can now register such events for free within 7 years at their local Union Councils and Municipal Committees.
This reflects the government’s commitment to simplifying bureaucratic processes and ensuring access to essential services for every citizen.
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
🔹 Why was the cash payment system abolished?
It was prone to corruption, payment delays, and unfair deductions. The digital system ensures transparency and protects workers.
🔹 How will forest workers receive their wages now?
Wages will be transferred directly to workers’ mobile bank accounts after biometric verification.
🔹 Is the new payment system already active?
Yes, the system is fully operational in the Punjab Forest Department.
🔹 What happens if biometric verification fails?
In such cases, workers can visit their nearest Bank of Punjab branch or Forest Office for assistance.
🔹 Does the system support SMS alerts?
Yes, workers receive an SMS notification for every payment made.
🔹 Can this model be used in other departments?
Yes, it has been praised as a global standard for transparent public financial management and may be extended to other departments in the future.
Final Thoughts – Digital Wage Payment System
The launch of the digital wage payment system for Punjab forest workers is a major reform in public sector transparency and financial empowerment. It not only ensures fair and timely wage delivery but also restores trust among workers and sets a new standard for governance in the province.
As the system continues to grow, it may become a model for nationwide wage distribution reform, protecting millions of workers from exploitation and inefficiency.