Ehsaas Rashan Program – Initiative to Reduce Food Insecurity

Many countries in the world face significant difficulties in providing security of food to the population. Pakistan is one of them. Half, if not the most of the population lives below the line of poverty. Moreover, the issue of rising prices of necessary commodities intensify the problem. Therefore, the Ehsaas Rashan Program in Pakistan was introduced to address such crucial issues. Hence, people living below the poverty line in the country get direct support by this program. Basically, it is to eliminate, or reduce, the struggle of people for basic food items. Furthermore, through this program, such households get subsidies and huge discounts on basic food needs. These basic needs include cooking oil, sugar, wheat. Hence, the burden that a majority of population faces is reduced significantly. In short, this initiative taken by the government of Pakistan helps those who are not even in the state of affording basic nutrition.

This article is an exploration of Ehsaas Rashan Program. In this particular blog post, information like features, benefits and challenges  are discussed. In addition, this post also informs about the process of registration to get the benefits of the program. Thus, read and learn about the program that helps to alleviate poverty in Pakistan.

Overview – What is Ehsaas Rashan Program ?  

This program is a social welfare initiative. It is launched by Pakistan government. Moreover, this social  welfare program aims at helping families that are living below the line of poverty. That is, low-income families that struggle to afford the basic necessities and nutrition. It is a part of “Ehsaas Program”. Ehsaas program aims at relieving poverty. Furthermore , households that are struggling face many challenges. However, the Ehsaas program address the challenges faced by these sections of society. This program has different smaller segments that work on different problems faced by vulnerable people. Ehsaas Rashan is one of the programs under it. It addresses the issue of food insecurity. In short, this program focuses on providing subsidies and large discounts on necessary food items.

Additionally, it helps to reduce the burden on economically weak families. Also, it makes sure that no one goes hungry and everyone at least gets basic nutrition. Especially, in the times of inflation or economic crisis, households that are vulnerable get access to basic nutrition to survive.

Process of Registration for Ehsaas Rashan Program

It is not difficult to register for this program. The easy and simple method of registration helps the vulnerable segments of society to get basic nutritional needs. Moreover, to register, the program provides a designated number on which people can register. Furthermore, people can also register through the web portal of this program. Afterwards, the government makes sure that benefits are only given to those who stand eligible. Therefore, they verify the details of the applicants to avoid providing benefits to those who do not fall under the category. Once the verification process is done, households that are eligible get a confirmation message. Also, the message consists of instructions on how the families can use the subsidy provided. The whole process is carried on digitally. Hence, there is no delay and errors in the process.

Features of Ehsaas Rashan Program

• Digital Process – From the point of registration to the distribution of benefits, everything is digital. Applicants apply digitally and they get a confirmation message. Moreover, in the message, they get a code through which they can get access to the benefits. The digital process makes sure that there is fraud and error in the process. Furthermore, it ensures that the process is transparent. Additionally, the digital structure makes it more efficient.
• Registered Retailers – For the purpose of implementing the program, the government of Pakistan has partnered with registered retailers across the country. Moreover, the eligible families get basic food items at a lower price. Furthermore, the government ensures that the program runs smoothly.
• Targeted Beneficiaries – The government carries out the process of verification which is completely transparent. This verification helps government to identify the genuine beneficiaries. Therefore, it makes sure that no body can take advantage of the program when not in genuine need. Moreover, there is an eligibility criteria which households need to meet to get the benefits.
• Ehsaas Rashan Card – There is also a card which acts as a method of payment for food items that are subsidised.

Benefits

• Alleviation of poverty
• Vulnerable households get basic nutrition.
• Complete transparency
• Help in the times of economic crisis
• Improves well-being of low-income households.
• Reduces the burden that low-income families face.

Challenges

Along with providing subsidies on necessary food items and reducing the burden on vulnerable households, it also faces challenges. These challenges are :

• Enough awareness is still not there.
• Operational issues between government and retailers.
• The coverage is limited.
• Factors like country’s economic conditions can impact the program.

Conclusion

Ehsaas Rashan Program, a segment of the broader Ehsaas Program focuses on reducing food insecurity in Pakistan. Where perhaps half of the population struggles for basic nutrition, the program helps to provide some support. Moreover, the vulnerable households get necessary food items at a subsidised price. For this, they just need to digitally apply and go through the verification process. Furthermore, if they stand eligible, they get benefits of the program.