Ehsaas is a flagship social protection program launched by the Government of Pakistan in March 2019 with the aim of reducing poverty, inequality and social exclusion in the country. The program is based on a comprehensive approach that covers various aspects of social protection, including safety nets, social welfare, human capital development, and livelihoods.
The Ehsaas program is guided by the vision of Prime Minister Imran Khan, who has long advocated for the provision of social protection to the most vulnerable segments of society. The program is designed to reach out to the marginalized and disadvantaged populations, including women, children, persons with disabilities, and elderly citizens, and provide them with targeted support and services.
The Ehsaas program is comprised of several initiatives and interventions that address different dimensions of poverty and vulnerability. These include:
Kafalat Program:
A cash transfer program that provides financial assistance to the poorest women in the country. Under this program, eligible women receive a monthly stipend of PKR 2,000, along with access to health insurance and vocational training.
Tahafuz Program:
A health insurance initiative that provides coverage to poor households for hospitalization and emergency medical care. The program covers up to PKR 720,000 per family per year and includes access to free emergency ambulance services.
Ehsaas Nashonuma:
A nutrition program that aims to address stunting and malnutrition among children under the age of two. Under this program, eligible families receive monthly cash grants to purchase nutritious food items, as well as nutrition counseling and education.
Ehsaas Interest-Free Loans:
A microfinance program that provides interest-free loans to poor households for income-generating activities. The program is aimed at promoting entrepreneurship and self-employment among the poor.
Ehsaas Langar:
A food program that provides free meals to the poor and needy. The program is aimed at addressing food insecurity and malnutrition among vulnerable populations.
Ehsaas Emergency Cash:
A cash transfer program that was launched in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Under this program, eligible households received a one-time cash grant of PKR 12,000 to help them cope with the economic impact of the pandemic.
The Ehsaas program is being implemented through a multi-sectoral approach that involves close collaboration with various government ministries, civil society organizations, and private sector partners. The program is also supported by a robust monitoring and evaluation system that tracks the progress and impact of the various initiatives and interventions.
The Ehsaas program has already made a significant impact on the lives of millions of poor and vulnerable people in Pakistan. According to government estimates, the program has reached out to over 15 million households across the country, providing them with much-needed support and services.
In conclusion,
the Ehsaas program is a testament to the Government of Pakistan’s commitment to reducing poverty and inequality and improving the lives of its citizens. By providing targeted support and services to the most vulnerable segments of society, the program is helping to create a more inclusive and equitable society, where everyone has access to the basic necessities of life.