Ehsaas Program Governance: Transparency, Accountability, and the Use of Technology

The success and long-term sustainability of the Ehsaas Program, Pakistan’s flagship social protection initiative, depend not only on the scope of its interventions but also on its governance. In a country where systemic corruption, inefficiency, and a lack of transparency have historically hindered the effectiveness of public welfare programs, ensuring strong governance mechanisms has been a priority for the Ehsaas Program since its inception in 2019. By embedding principles of transparency, accountability, and the use of technology into its design, the program aims to achieve lasting impact and trust among its beneficiaries. As we look toward the future in 2024 and beyond, examining how these principles have shaped the governance of the Ehsaas Program is crucial in assessing its ongoing success and areas for improvement.

Transparency and the Role of Technology

From the outset, the Ehsaas Program has emphasized transparency as a core tenet. The use of digital technology has been pivotal in ensuring that resources are allocated fairly and reach their intended beneficiaries. One of the most notable technological innovations in the Ehsaas Program is the creation of the National Socio-Economic Registry (NSER), a comprehensive and up-to-date database that allows for the precise targeting of welfare programs.

National Socio-Economic Registry (NSER)

The NSER, a central pillar of Ehsaas’ governance model, is a national repository that contains the socio-economic profiles of millions of households across Pakistan. By leveraging digital data collection and analysis, the NSER enables the program to identify the most vulnerable individuals and families. This minimizes the chances of ineligible individuals receiving benefits while ensuring that those in need are prioritized.

As of 2024, the NSER has undergone significant upgrades. Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning algorithms have been integrated to continuously refine the targeting process. These technologies help analyze socio-economic data in real-time, allowing for a more dynamic and responsive approach to identifying eligible households. For instance, families whose economic conditions improve can be removed from the program, freeing up resources for those who fall into poverty due to economic shocks like inflation, natural disasters, or job losses.

In addition to the NSER, the Ehsaas Digital Payment System plays a vital role in ensuring transparency in cash transfers. By digitizing cash disbursements, Ehsaas minimizes the risks of corruption, fraud, and leakages that often plague manual systems. Beneficiaries receive payments through branchless banking services, such as Easypaisa and JazzCash, which provide a secure and transparent platform for financial transactions​

Data Integrity and Verification Processes

To maintain the accuracy of its data and the integrity of the NSER, Ehsaas conducts regular field surveys and third-party audits. These efforts ensure that the registry reflects up-to-date information about the socio-economic status of households, thus reducing inclusion and exclusion errors. Moreover, independent third-party organizations periodically verify the disbursement of funds, adding another layer of accountability.

The government has also established a public grievance mechanism, allowing citizens to report any discrepancies or issues with their eligibility or the disbursement of funds. This feedback system not only increases transparency but also builds trust between the government and its citizens. In 2024, the Ehsaas Program’s commitment to continuously updating and refining its data collection processes has been a critical factor in its success.

Accountability Mechanisms: Reducing Corruption and Misuse

In a country where public-sector corruption has historically hindered social welfare programs, ensuring accountability has been a key governance challenge for Ehsaas. To combat this, the program incorporates multiple mechanisms to prevent misuse of funds and ensure that resources are allocated where they are most needed.

Institutional Oversight

The Ehsaas Program is housed within the Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety Division (PASSD), which is responsible for overseeing the various initiatives under the Ehsaas umbrella. This centralized governance structure allows for better coordination and monitoring of different programs, such as Ehsaas Kafaalat, Ehsaas Amdan, and Ehsaas Nashonuma. Moreover, PASSD collaborates with other ministries and provincial governments to ensure that national policies align with regional needs and are implemented effectively at the local level.

To further strengthen accountability, the government has established the Ehsaas Integrity Framework, which provides a set of guidelines for ethical conduct, transparency, and public reporting. This framework outlines strict penalties for any instances of corruption or fraud, sending a strong message that the misuse of public funds will not be tolerated.

Digital Audits and Monitoring Systems

The Ehsaas Program relies heavily on digital audits to ensure the proper use of funds. The digital payment system allows for real-time monitoring of cash transfers, reducing the risk of funds being diverted or misused by intermediaries. In cases where discrepancies are detected, automatic red-flagging systems notify program administrators, allowing for prompt investigation and resolution.

Additionally, the program uses geo-tagging technology to track the delivery of goods and services in real time. For example, in the Ehsaas Nashonuma program, which provides nutrition support for pregnant women and children, the use of geo-tagging ensures that cash transfers are tied to specific health interventions, such as vaccination and nutrition counseling. This ensures that funds are disbursed only when beneficiaries fulfill the required health conditions, further enhancing accountability​

Third-Party Monitoring and Social Audits

In 2024, third-party monitoring remains an essential component of the Ehsaas Program’s governance strategy. Independent auditors, both local and international, are hired to evaluate the performance of different initiatives and verify that funds are being used as intended. This independent oversight adds credibility to the program, increasing public trust in its processes and reducing the risk of political manipulation.

Another innovative aspect of Ehsaas’ accountability framework is the use of social audits, which involve local communities in monitoring and evaluating the delivery of services. Community members, particularly those benefiting from the program, are encouraged to provide feedback and report any irregularities they observe. This grassroots approach not only ensures better service delivery but also empowers beneficiaries to take ownership of the program’s success.

Transparency in Budgeting and Expenditure

The Ehsaas Program’s transparency extends to its budgeting and financial reporting. One of the most significant steps the government has taken is making the program’s budgetary allocations and expenditure reports publicly available. This allows for greater scrutiny by civil society organizations, the media, and international development partners.

Moreover, the government has committed to open contracting principles for all procurements related to the Ehsaas Program. This means that all contracts awarded for goods and services are disclosed publicly, allowing for real-time oversight of how funds are being spent. This reduces the likelihood of overpricing, kickbacks, and other forms of corruption that have often plagued public-sector contracts in the past​

Challenges and Areas for Improvement

Despite its robust governance framework, the Ehsaas Program faces several challenges in ensuring full transparency and accountability. One of the key challenges is bureaucratic inefficiency at the local level. While the national oversight mechanisms are strong, the capacity of provincial and district-level governments to implement Ehsaas initiatives efficiently varies across the country. In some areas, delays in the delivery of services and cash transfers remain a problem, undermining the program’s overall effectiveness.

Another area for improvement is the digital divide, which hampers the ability of some beneficiaries to access services through digital platforms. Although the use of technology has streamlined governance processes, the lack of access to mobile phones and internet connectivity in rural areas continues to limit the reach of the program. In response, the government has begun implementing initiatives aimed at improving digital literacy and expanding mobile coverage, but further progress is needed​

Finally, while the grievance redressal mechanisms are an important step toward greater transparency, the process can be slow, and beneficiaries often face bureaucratic hurdles in resolving their complaints. Improving the efficiency and accessibility of this system is essential to maintaining public trust in the program.

Conclusion: Governance as the Cornerstone of Success

The Ehsaas Program has made significant strides in promoting transparency and accountability through the use of technology, robust monitoring systems, and public reporting mechanisms. These governance measures have helped reduce corruption, improve service delivery, and ensure that resources are allocated to the most vulnerable segments of society. However, challenges remain, particularly at the local implementation level and in overcoming the digital divide. As the program continues to evolve, ongoing efforts to improve governance will be crucial in ensuring that the Ehsaas Program remains an effective and trusted tool for poverty alleviation in Pakistan.