Ehsas Program: A Comprehensive Overview
The Ehsas Program is a social welfare initiative launched by the government of Pakistan in March 2023 The aim of the program is to alleviate poverty, reduce inequality, and create a more inclusive society. The program is named after the Urdu word ‘Ehsas,’ which means compassion, empathy, and care.
The Ehsas Program comprises a wide range of initiatives and policies that aim to address various social and economic issues faced by the people of Pakistan. The program’s overarching goal is to create a social safety net that provides support to vulnerable segments of society, such as the poor, the elderly, the disabled, and the unemployed.
In this article, we will provide a comprehensive overview of the Ehsas Program, including its key components, objectives, achievements, and challenges.
Key Components of the Ehsas Program
The Ehsas Program comprises several key components, each of which is designed to address a specific social or economic issue. These components include:
Ehsas Kafalat Program: This program provides financial assistance to the poorest of the poor households in the country. Under this program, eligible households receive a monthly stipend of PKR 2,000 (approximately $12) to help them meet their basic needs.
Ehsas Nashonuma Program: This program aims to reduce malnutrition and stunting among children under the age of two. Under this program, eligible mothers receive a monthly stipend of PKR 2,000 (approximately $12) for the first six months of their child’s life.
Ehsas Emergency Cash Program: This program was launched in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and provided cash assistance to over 15 million households across the country. Eligible households received a one-time payment of PKR 12,000 (approximately $75) to help them cope with the economic impact of the pandemic.
Ehsas Amdan Program: This program aims to create income-generation opportunities for the poor and vulnerable segments of society. Under this program, eligible individuals receive vocational training and small loans to start their own businesses.
Ehsas Langar Scheme: This program provides free meals to the poor and needy. Under this program, several soup kitchens have been set up across the country to provide nutritious meals to those who cannot afford them.
Ehsas Tahafuz Program: This program provides health insurance to the poor and vulnerable segments of society. Under this program, eligible individuals receive free medical treatment and hospitalization.
Ehsas Scholarship Program: This program provides financial assistance to talented students from low-income families to enable them to continue their education. Under this program, eligible students receive a monthly stipend to cover their educational expenses.
Objectives of the Ehsas Program
The Ehsas Program has several objectives, including:
To reduce poverty and inequality: The program aims to provide social protection to the poorest segments of society and reduce the income gap between the rich and the poor.
To improve access to basic services: The program aims to improve access to basic services such as healthcare, education, and social protection for vulnerable segments of society.
To create income-generation opportunities: The program aims to create income-generation opportunities for the poor and vulnerable segments of society to help them become self-sufficient and independent.
To promote social inclusion: The program aims to promote social inclusion by providing support to marginalized and vulnerable groups, such as women, children, and the disabled.