Impact of the Ehsaas Program in 2024: Reducing Poverty and Empowering Vulnerable Populations
The Ehsaas Program, launched in 2019 by the Pakistani government, has continued to expand its reach and effectiveness in 2024. Designed to alleviate poverty and uplift the most vulnerable members of society, the program has grown into one of the most comprehensive social safety nets in Pakistan’s history. With its multi-pronged approach, including financial assistance, skill development, education support, and healthcare initiatives, the Ehsaas Program has had a significant impact on the lives of millions of Pakistanis. As of October 2024, the program continues to be a vital tool in addressing poverty, economic inequality, and social welfare in the country.
Reduction in Poverty Levels: A Measurable Impact
One of the key objectives of the Ehsaas Program has been to reduce poverty and improve the standard of living for low-income families. The program’s targeted approach to identifying and assisting the most vulnerable populations has yielded tangible results over the years.
In 2024, the government reported that the poverty rate in Pakistan had seen a gradual decline, thanks in large part to the sustained efforts of the Ehsaas Program. The Benazir Income Support Program (BISP), a cornerstone of Ehsaas, provides direct cash transfers to low-income households, particularly women, allowing them to meet basic needs such as food, housing, and healthcare
. These cash transfers have proven to be a critical lifeline for millions of families struggling to cope with rising inflation and economic challenges.
The Ehsaas Program’s Ehsaas Kafaalat initiative, which provides a monthly stipend of 2,000 PKR to the poorest women, has been instrumental in lifting households out of extreme poverty. By directly targeting women, the program not only alleviates poverty but also empowers female beneficiaries, giving them a sense of financial independence and agency over household decisions
Moreover, the Ehsaas Emergency Cash program, launched in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, continues to have a lasting impact. While initially aimed at providing temporary relief during the pandemic, the emergency cash initiative has evolved into a more permanent feature of the Ehsaas framework, helping millions of families weather economic shocks. In 2024, this program remains crucial in mitigating the effects of inflation, food insecurity, and job losses that have disproportionately affected low-income households.
Empowering Women: Financial Independence and Social Upliftment
A defining feature of the Ehsaas Program has been its focus on empowering women. In a country where gender disparities in education, employment, and financial inclusion are widespread, the Ehsaas Program’s efforts to support women have had a transformative effect.
The Ehsaas Kafaalat program, which targets the poorest women across Pakistan, provides not only financial support but also access to savings accounts in partnership with branchless banking platforms like JazzCash and Easypaisa. These accounts are a critical step towards integrating women into the formal financial system, encouraging savings, and enabling them to engage in entrepreneurial activities
. This financial inclusion has empowered women to take more control over their finances and contributed to the broader goal of women’s economic independence.
In addition to financial assistance, Ehsaas includes a variety of initiatives aimed at improving women’s access to education and employment opportunities. The Ehsaas Undergraduate Scholarship program, for instance, prioritizes female students from low-income families, helping them pursue higher education and break the cycle of poverty
. By investing in women’s education, the program helps to address the root causes of poverty and gender inequality, ensuring that women have the tools they need to contribute meaningfully to the economy.
Impact on Health and Nutrition
The Ehsaas Program’s impact extends beyond financial assistance; it also plays a crucial role in improving health outcomes for vulnerable populations. Access to healthcare in Pakistan remains a significant challenge, especially for low-income families who often cannot afford basic medical care.
The Ehsaas Nashonuma program, launched to combat malnutrition and stunting among children, has made a significant difference in improving the health of pregnant and lactating women and their children. Through a network of Nashonuma Centers across the country, the program provides cash transfers conditioned on the uptake of health and nutrition services. Beneficiaries receive regular health check-ups, vaccinations, and nutritional supplements, ensuring that both mothers and children are healthier and more resilient
In addition to reducing malnutrition, the program has had broader health benefits, including improved maternal and child health outcomes and a reduction in preventable diseases among children. The Nashonuma initiative aligns with the government’s broader goal of reducing child stunting, which affects nearly 40% of children in Pakistan and has long-term implications for their cognitive and physical development.
The Ehsaas Program also facilitates access to health insurance through the Sehat Sahulat Program, which offers free medical treatment for low-income families. By covering the costs of hospitalization, surgeries, and medical procedures, the program ensures that poverty does not prevent families from receiving critical healthcare services. In 2024, this initiative remains a cornerstone of Pakistan’s healthcare safety net, protecting families from the catastrophic costs of medical emergencies
Skill Development and Employment Generation: Building Self-Sufficiency
Beyond direct financial aid, the Ehsaas Program has increasingly focused on promoting self-sufficiency by providing beneficiaries with the skills and resources needed to improve their long-term economic prospects. The program’s Ehsaas Amdan (Income) initiative, for example, provides assets such as livestock, sewing machines, and agricultural tools to low-income families, allowing them to start small businesses and generate a stable income
The Ehsaas Amdan initiative aims to break the cycle of poverty by helping beneficiaries move from reliance on financial aid to sustainable livelihoods. Participants in the program receive training on how to manage and grow their businesses, equipping them with the skills they need to succeed in the long term. This shift from welfare to self-reliance is a key element of the Ehsaas Program’s broader mission to reduce poverty through both immediate relief and sustainable economic development.
In addition, the Ehsaas Skills Program offers vocational training and technical education to young people from low-income families, providing them with marketable skills that improve their employment prospects. By offering training in fields such as information technology, construction, and handicrafts, the program equips young people with the tools they need to secure stable employment or start their own businesses. In 2024, the skills program continues to play a vital role in addressing youth unemployment, which remains a significant challenge in Pakistan.
Education Support: Investing in the Future
Education is a central pillar of the Ehsaas Program, and its impact on improving access to education has been substantial. The Ehsaas Education Stipends program provides financial incentives to families to keep their children enrolled in school. These stipends are conditional on regular school attendance, encouraging families to prioritize education over child labor
In addition to the education stipends, the Ehsaas Undergraduate Scholarship Program continues to support thousands of students from low-income families in pursuing higher education. By covering tuition fees and providing living stipends, the scholarship program ensures that financial barriers do not prevent talented students from completing their degrees. In 2024, this initiative remains a crucial part of Pakistan’s efforts to build human capital and reduce long-term poverty.
Conclusion: The Lasting Impact of Ehsaas in 2024
The Ehsaas Program has made significant strides in reducing poverty, empowering women, improving health outcomes, and providing education and employment opportunities to millions of Pakistanis. As the program continues to evolve and expand in 2024, its impact on the lives of vulnerable populations remains profound. By combining short-term financial assistance with long-term investments in education, health, and skills development, the Ehsaas Program is not only alleviating poverty but also empowering individuals and communities to build better futures.
Looking ahead, the program’s ongoing success will depend on its ability to adapt to changing economic conditions and continue targeting those most in need. With its comprehensive approach and commitment to transparency, the Ehsaas Program is well-positioned to remain a cornerstone of Pakistan’s social protection system for years to come.
