EHSAAS PROGRAM

The Ehsaas Program is a comprehensive and multi-sectoral poverty alleviation initiative launched by the Government of Pakistan in March 2019. The Urdu word “Ehsaas” means “to feel,” representing empathy and a commitment to helping those in need. It encompasses numerous policies, programs, and initiatives aimed at creating a “compassionate state” by focusing on various dimensions of poverty and vulnerability.

The Ehsaas program is built on several key pillars and principles, including:

• Addressing Elite Capture and Harnessing Government Systems: Aiming to make governance and government promote equal opportunity.
• Introducing Safety Nets for the Poor: Providing effective and comprehensive support for marginalized and vulnerable populations.
• Developing Human Capital: Investing in the health, nutrition, education, and skills of the people.
• Creating Livelihoods and Pro-Poor Job Markets: Fostering economic empowerment and opportunities.
• Focus on Women: Ensuring that a significant portion of the program’s benefits reaches women and girls.
• Data-Driven and Digital Backbone: Utilizing technology and data for efficient and transparent implementation.
• One-Window Operations and Tehsil-Level Digital Hubs: Improving accessibility and service delivery.
• Multi-dimensional Partnerships: Collaborating with various stakeholders, including federal and provincial entities, NGOs, and the private sector.
• Transparency and Accountability: Ensuring that the program is implemented with integrity and reaches the intended beneficiaries.

Major Initiatives under the Ehsaas Program

The Ehsaas Program comprises a wide range of initiatives catering to diverse needs. Some of the key programs include:

1. Ehsaas Kafalat Program:

• Provides unconditional cash transfers to eligible low-income women across Pakistan.
• Aims to empower women financially and improve their access to basic necessities.
• Eligibility is primarily determined through the National Socio-Economic Registry (NSER) and a Proxy Means Test (PMT) score.
• Beneficiaries receive regular cash payments.

Read More About Ehsaas Kafalat Program

 

2. Ehsaas Emergency Cash Program

• Launched during the COVID-19 pandemic to provide immediate financial relief to vulnerable families affected by lockdowns and economic disruptions.
• Provided a one-time cash grant to millions of deserving households.
• Eligibility was determined through a simplified process, including SMS registration on 8171.

Read More About Ehsaas Emergency Cash Program

 

3. Ehsaas Rashan Program

• Aimed at providing subsidies on essential food items to low-income families.
• Intended to reduce the financial burden of purchasing necessities like flour, pulses, and cooking oil/ghee.
• The program involved registering eligible families and partnering with Kiryana (grocery) stores to offer discounted prices.

Read More About Ehsaas Rashan Program

 

4. Ehsaas Undergraduate Scholarship Program

• Provides need-based scholarships to deserving undergraduate students across Pakistan.
• Administered through the Higher Education Commission (HEC).
• Covers tuition fees and provides a monthly stipend to support students’ living expenses.
• A significant portion of the scholarships are reserved for female students.
• Eligibility criteria include financial need, academic merit, and enrollment in a recognized undergraduate program. Applications are typically submitted online through the HEC portal.

Read More About Ehsaas Undergraduate Scholarship Program

 

5. Ehsaas Langar (Food Support) Program:

• Aims to combat hunger by providing free meals to the needy, particularly daily wage earners and the homeless.
• Often implemented in collaboration with organizations like the Saylani Welfare International Trust.
• Establishes food kitchens (Langar Khanas) in various cities to offer nutritious and dignified meals.

Read More About Ehsaas Langar (Food Support) Program

 

6. Ehsaas Panahgah (Shelter) Program

• Provides temporary shelters for homeless individuals, offering them a safe and dignified place to sleep.
• These shelters also often provide meals, basic hygiene facilities, and sometimes access to health services.
• Efforts were made to upgrade existing Panahgahs into centers of excellence with improved facilities.

Read More About Ehsaas Langar (Food Support) Program

 

7. Ehsaas Amdan Program

• Focused on creating livelihood opportunities for the poor through the provision of productive assets and skills training.
• Aimed to enable beneficiaries to start their own small businesses and generate sustainable income.
• Assets provided could include livestock, sewing machines, rickshaws, or small shop setups.

Read More About Ehsaas Amdan Program

 

8. Ehsaas Nashonuma Program

• Aimed at addressing malnutrition in children, pregnant, and lactating women.
• Provides conditional cash transfers linked to the uptake of essential health and nutrition services.
• Focuses on improving maternal and child health outcomes.

Read More About Ehsaas Nashonuma Program

 

9. Ehsaas Tahafuz Program:

• Designed to provide protection against catastrophic health expenditures.
• Offers financial assistance to vulnerable individuals and families facing high medical costs.

Read More About Ehaas Tahafuz Program

 

10. Ehsaas Interest-Free Loan Scheme

• Provides interest-free loans to individuals, particularly women, to start or expand their small businesses.
• Aims to promote financial inclusion and economic empowerment at the grassroots level.

Read More About Ehsaas Interest-Free Loan Scheme

 

11. Ehsaas Saving Wallets (Bachut Account Initiative)

• Encouraged financial inclusion by facilitating the opening of bank accounts for Ehsaas beneficiaries, particularly women receiving cash transfers.
• Aimed to promote saving habits and provide a secure way for beneficiaries to manage their funds.

Read More About Ehsaas Saving Wallets

.

12. Ehsaas Koi Bhooka Na Soye (No One Sleeps Hungry)

• Another initiative to combat hunger, often involving mobile food trucks that distribute free meals in urban areas.

Read More About Ehsaas Koi Bhooka Na Soye

 

13. Ehsaas Masawat Program

• Specifically designed for the transgender community, providing stipends and support to improve their socio-economic status.

Read More About Ehsaas Masawat Program

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Ehsaas Program?

The Ehsaas Program is a comprehensive and multi-sectoral social safety net initiative by the Government of Pakistan aimed at poverty alleviation and social protection for vulnerable populations across the country. It encompasses various schemes and interventions designed to improve livelihoods, provide financial assistance, enhance access to education and healthcare, and empower marginalized communities.

What are the main goals of the Ehsaas Program?

The primary goals of the Ehsaas Program include:

• Reducing poverty and inequality.
• Providing social protection to vulnerable and marginalized groups.
• Improving human capital development through better nutrition, health, and education.
• Creating economic opportunities and promoting financial inclusion.
• Ensuring dignity and social justice for all citizens.

Who launched the Ehsaas Program?

The Ehsaas Program was launched by the Government of Pakistan under the leadership of the then Prime Minister Imran Khan.

When was the Ehsaas Program started?

The Ehsaas Program was officially launched in March 2019.

How is the Ehsaas Program different from other social welfare programs in Pakistan?

The Ehsaas Program aimed to be a more integrated, data-driven, and comprehensive social protection initiative compared to previous programs. Key differences included:

• A wider scope encompassing multiple sectors and needs.
• Emphasis on data analytics and technology for beneficiary identification and delivery.
• A more coordinated approach across different government departments and agencies.
• A focus on long-term poverty graduation and empowerment, rather than just short-term relief.

What is the budget allocated for the Ehsaas Program?

The total budget allocated for the Ehsaas Program was substantial, with billions of rupees earmarked for its various initiatives over several years. The exact annual and overall budget figures have varied and can be found in government financial documents and official Ehsaas Program reports.

How long will the Ehsaas Program continue?

The Ehsaas Program was envisioned as a long-term national commitment to social protection. While specific timelines for individual components might exist, the overarching program was intended to be an ongoing effort by the Government of Pakistan.

What are the core principles guiding the Ehsaas Program?

The core principles guiding the Ehsaas Program included:

• Compassion and Empathy: Addressing the needs of the most vulnerable.
• Dignity: Providing assistance in a way that respects the self-worth of beneficiaries.
• Transparency and Accountability: Ensuring open and responsible use of resources.
• Inclusivity: Reaching all deserving individuals and communities.
• Data-Driven Approach: Using evidence for effective targeting and implementation.
• Multi-sectoral Collaboration: Working across different government departments and with other stakeholders.

What is the overall strategy of the Ehsaas Program to achieve its objectives?

The overall strategy involved a multi-pronged approach, including:

• Providing direct cash transfers to the poorest households.
• Offering scholarships and educational support.
• Improving access to healthcare and nutrition.
• Creating livelihood opportunities and promoting economic empowerment.
• Supporting vulnerable groups like orphans, widows, and persons with disabilities.
• Leveraging technology for efficient and transparent service delivery.

How does the Ehsaas Program ensure transparency and accountability in its operations?

Measures taken to ensure transparency and accountability included:

• Digital payment systems for direct cash transfers.
• Regular audits and monitoring.
• Public disclosure of program information and beneficiary data (while protecting privacy).
• Grievance redressal mechanisms for beneficiaries.
• Use of data analytics to track progress and identify potential issues.

What is the role of technology in the implementation of the Ehsaas Program?

Technology played a crucial role in the Ehsaas Program, including:

• Digital registration and data management of beneficiaries.
• Biometric verification for secure and transparent cash transfers.
• Mobile-based payment systems.
• Online portals for information and grievance redressal.
• Data analytics for targeting and monitoring.

How does the Ehsaas Program identify and target beneficiaries?

Beneficiary identification involved various methods, including:

• The National Socio-Economic Registry (NSER) survey, which collected data on household socio-economic status.
• Data analytics and proxy means testing (PMT) to determine eligibility based on poverty scores.
• Specific criteria defined for different sub-programs.
• In some cases, targeted outreach and registration drives.

What kind of impact has the Ehsaas Program had on poverty reduction so far?

Assessing the precise impact on poverty reduction requires comprehensive data and analysis over time. However, the Ehsaas Program aimed to significantly contribute to poverty alleviation through its various interventions. Official reports and independent evaluations provided insights into the program’s impact on beneficiary households.

How does the Ehsaas Program monitor its progress and evaluate its effectiveness?

Monitoring and evaluation mechanisms included:

• Regular data collection and analysis of program activities and outcomes.
• Performance indicators to track progress against objectives.
• Internal and external evaluations to assess the effectiveness and impact of different components.
• Feedback from beneficiaries and stakeholders.

What are the challenges faced in implementing the Ehsaas Program?

Implementation challenges could include:

• Ensuring accurate and up-to-date beneficiary data.
• Reaching remote and underserved populations.
• Preventing fraud and corruption.
• Coordination among different government agencies.
• Economic fluctuations and external shocks affecting program resources and beneficiary needs.
• Maintaining sustainability and long-term funding.

How does the Ehsaas Program collaborate with other organizations (governmental and non-governmental)?

The Ehsaas Program involved collaboration with various federal and provincial government departments, as well as non-governmental organizations (NGOs), civil society organizations (CSOs), and international development partners for implementation, outreach, and resource mobilization.

What is the long-term vision for the Ehsaas Program’s contribution to Pakistan’s development?

The long-term vision was for the Ehsaas Program to create a more equitable and just society in Pakistan by significantly reducing poverty, empowering vulnerable citizens, and fostering inclusive growth and sustainable development.

How can citizens provide feedback or raise grievances regarding the Ehsaas Program?

The Ehsaas Program typically had dedicated channels for feedback and grievance redressal, which could include:

• Helpline numbers.
• Online portals and complaint forms.
• Designated offices or focal persons.
• Public awareness campaigns providing information on how to register complaints.

What is the governance structure of the Ehsaas Program?

The Ehsaas Program was overseen by a central governing body or task force, typically chaired by the Prime Minister or a designated special advisor. It involved various steering committees and working groups responsible for different aspects of the program’s design and implementation across different ministries and divisions.

What are the eligibility criteria to benefit from the Ehsaas Program in general?

General eligibility for the Ehsaas Program focused on identifying individuals and households living below a certain poverty threshold and belonging to vulnerable categories. Specific criteria varied depending on the particular intervention but often considered factors like income, household size, employment status, and vulnerability to shocks.

How can I register for the Ehsaas Program (without specifying a sub-program’s registration)?

Registration for the Ehsaas Program generally involved participating in the National Socio-Economic Registry (NSER) survey. Information about ongoing or upcoming registration drives was typically announced through official government channels and media. Specific sub-programs might have had additional registration processes.

What documents are generally required to apply for assistance under the Ehsaas Program?

Common documents required for registration or application often included:

• National Identity Card (NIC) of the applicant and household members.
• Proof of residence.
• In some cases, additional documentation related to specific vulnerability (e.g., disability certificate).

How can I check my general eligibility status for the Ehsaas Program?

Eligibility status could often be checked through online portals provided by the Ehsaas Program, by sending an SMS with the CNIC number to a designated code, or by contacting the Ehsaas helpline. The specific methods were usually announced by the program authorities.

What is the official website for information about the entire Ehsaas Program?

The official website for the Ehsaas Program was typically ehsaas.punjab.gov.pk  This website served as a central source of information about all aspects of the program.

What is the general helpline number for inquiries about the Ehsaas Program?

The Ehsaas Program usually had a dedicated helpline number for general inquiries and assistance. This number was widely publicized through official channels and awareness campaigns