In an initiative, the Government of Punjab has replaced cash assistance for needy rural women with a welfare programme to provide them free cows and buffaloes. It is also referred the “Free Cow Scheme Punjab” or “Free Buffalo Scheme Punjab“ and it’s official name is CM Livestock Asset Transfer to Rural Women Scheme 2026. In this guide, we will talk about who qualifies for it exactly, what documents
you should bring and how to register — based on the most updated official data available.
- A quick note before you go: There are two provincial livestock programs in Punjab being discussed right now that often get confused in articles, and this is one of them.
- CM Livestock Asset Transfer to Rural Women Scheme – provides a free cow/buffalo (heifer) to widowed and divorced women in South Punjab. This is what this article deals with.
CM Punjab Livestock Card Scheme – a unique product where, instead of free animals, you get interest free loans if you already have some animals being an existing dairy farmer;
Be sure you are applying to the right one for your use case.
What Is the CM Livestock Asset Transfer Scheme?
Registration system of the scheme is developed by Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) and scheme will be run through Livestock & Dairy Development Department, Punjab. The government does not give money once but rather transfers a live animal — most often a heifer (young cow or buffalo) — to selected women so they can develop long-term source of income from milk sales instead of relying on a single payment.
The objective is simple: provide rural women, who currently have few income choices, with a productive asset that continues to produce something of value in the form of milk and eventually breed.
Documents You Will Need
Have the following at hand before registration, as incomplete applications are often rejected or put on hold.
- Original CNIC (plus a photocopy)
- Your own registered mobile number [which is used for OTP/verification]
- Death certificate of spouse (note: only for widows)
- Divorce certificate/decree (for divorced applicants)
- Proof of residency, if you are requested to do so by the local livestock office
- Any other certificate that may be required by Livestock Department for verification
COOL: Have your CNIC and certificates scanned or photographed clearly (in advance) — the online part will take much less time.
Districts Currently Covered
Currently, the scheme is launched in South Punjab and not province-wide Reported districts include:
| District | Region |
|---|---|
| Multan | South Punjab |
| Khanewal | South Punjab |
| Vehari | South Punjab |
| Lodhran | South Punjab |
| Bahawalpur | South Punjab |
| Bahawalnagar | South Punjab |
| Rahim Yar Khan | South Punjab |
| Dera Ghazi Khan | South Punjab |
| Muzaffargarh | South Punjab |
| Layyah | South Punjab |
| Rajanpur | South Punjab |
| Bhakkar | South Punjab |
| Mianwali | South Punjab |
If you reside outside these districts, you cannot apply at this time—the program could roll out to other areas during future phases.
How to Apply Online — Step by Step
- Get the official app — Registration is via PITB’s “Livestock Asset Transfer to Rural Women” app, which you can find on the Google Play Store (search for this exact name else there are duplicate listings).
- The first step requires you to fill out basic information — your CNIC number, your full name, whether married or not, and a mobile number registered in your own name.
- Enter the required fields carefully and upload high quality scanned copies of your documents.
- Fill up the application and wait for the verification team to verify it.
- Submit your application and wait for the verification team to review it.
- If tis applies to you, your application goes for verification in person, then is drawn randomly by ballot — it’s not first-come,first-served at every step so don’t let anyone tell you they’ll “fast-track” being approved with money.
Can’t apply from your phone? Go to your nearest Veterinary Hospital or Livestock Dispensary/Livestock Assistant Office — staff there can provide assistance with completing the registration in person.
To answer queries,the Livestock Department has reportedly set up an helpline (0800-09211) for applicants — check the official Punjab government website for the live number before making a call, as helpline numbers can change from one phase to the next.
How Are Beneficiaries Selected?
- One cow/buffalo Each selected woman.
- Target locations of reported program are approximately 11,000 widowed and divorced women in southern Punjab.
- The ultimate shortlist is usually by way of transparent balloting, not manual discretion, after checking the documents with physical verification at ground level.
- Cow or buffalo will depend on local availability and program guidelines at the time of distribution.
Is There Any Fee to Apply?
No. Registration for this scheme is free. This is worth repeating clearly: do not pay any individual, “agent,” or middleman who asks for money to register you, guarantee your selection, or speed up verification. Report such requests to the official helpline. Government welfare schemes of this kind do not charge application fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
This scheme is only for widowed and divorced women. Yes. The way the scheme stands, it restricts its coverage to widows and divorced women in qualifying South Punjab districts only — other categories are impacted by this particular scheme.
So, Is “CM Livestock Asset Transfer Scheme” is Same as CM Punjab Livestock Card Scheme? No. OBJ: Asset Transfer Scheme — provision 100th free Animal to the widows/divorced women. Earlier, there was a separate interest-free livestock card scheme for farmers who own multiple animals. When applying, do not mix the two.
If I’m selected, how many animals will I get? One cow or one buffalo per selected candidate.
Is there a registration fee? No paid to register — registration is free
Q- What if I have already got an animal under some Punjab livestock programme? You usually cannot re-apply in the same scoring round.
Where can I verify the latest, authoritative position on this scheme? Before you trust any third-party website, including this one, always check current details —opening dates, districts and helpline numbers can be different from phase to phase —on the Punjab Government portal and via the Livestock & Dairy Development Department.
