Public and International Perception of the Ehsaas Program

The Ehsaas Program, Pakistan’s flagship social safety net initiative, has attracted considerable attention both domestically and internationally. Launched in 2019 with the aim of reducing poverty and addressing inequality, the program has been lauded for its scope and ambition. With over 130 initiatives under its umbrella, Ehsaas has targeted key areas such as cash transfers, education, healthcare, and skills development. However, while the program has achieved notable successes, it has also faced scrutiny regarding its implementation and impact. This article examines the public and international perception of the Ehsaas Program in 2024, highlighting its strengths, challenges, and how it is viewed globally.

1. Public Perception in Pakistan

Within Pakistan, the Ehsaas Program enjoys widespread recognition and support, especially among its beneficiaries and low-income communities. Its various components, such as Ehsaas Kafaalat, which provides cash transfers to women in need, and Ehsaas Nashonuma, which addresses child malnutrition, have had a tangible impact on the lives of millions of Pakistanis.

Positive Public Reception

The Ehsaas Program is particularly well-regarded for its cash transfer programs. In a country where economic instability, rising inflation, and unemployment continue to burden low-income families, the program’s direct financial assistance has provided a much-needed safety net. Initiatives like Ehsaas Emergency Cash, introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic, were especially appreciated as they provided immediate relief to millions of households affected by lockdowns and job losses. Many beneficiaries have reported that these cash transfers have allowed them to meet basic needs, such as food and healthcare, during times of economic hardship​

Additionally, the Ehsaas Program’s emphasis on women’s empowerment through cash transfers targeted at female heads of households has been praised. This approach aligns with broader efforts to promote gender equality in Pakistan, particularly in rural areas where women often have limited access to financial resources and decision-making power. As a result, the program has gained considerable support among women’s rights organizations and grassroots movements focused on poverty alleviation.

Criticism and Areas for Improvement

Despite its successes, the Ehsaas Program has not been without criticism. One common concern is related to the inclusivity of the program. While the government has made efforts to ensure that the most vulnerable populations are reached, some segments of society still feel marginalized. For example, there have been reports of delays in disbursement of funds, particularly in remote areas where access to banking infrastructure is limited. Furthermore, while the Ehsaas Program uses the National Socio-Economic Registry (NSER) to target beneficiaries, critics argue that the registry’s data may not always be up-to-date, leading to exclusion errors where needy families are left out.

Another point of criticism has been the bureaucratic hurdles that some beneficiaries face when enrolling in the program or resolving grievances. Despite the existence of a grievance redressal mechanism, complaints about slow response times and difficulties in navigating the system are common. These challenges have raised concerns about accessibility and the need for more streamlined and user-friendly processes​

2. International Perception and Recognition

On the global stage, the Ehsaas Program has been lauded as a pioneering effort in social protection and poverty alleviation, particularly within developing nations. It has received praise from international development organizations, financial institutions, and global leaders for its innovative approach and use of digital technology to address poverty in a highly populous country.

Recognition from Global Institutions

The World Bank, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and the United Nations have all recognized the Ehsaas Program as a model for other countries facing similar socio-economic challenges. In particular, the World Bank has praised the program for its use of digital financial inclusion mechanisms, such as mobile wallets and branchless banking, which have enabled the program to reach remote populations more efficiently. These digital tools have been critical in improving the transparency and accountability of cash transfers, reducing the risk of corruption and fund leakage that often plague large-scale welfare programs.

Furthermore, the IMF has highlighted the Ehsaas Program as a key component of Pakistan’s efforts to improve fiscal responsibility while addressing the social needs of its population. By targeting social protection initiatives through well-defined, data-driven mechanisms, Pakistan has been able to balance its fiscal constraints with the imperative to reduce poverty and inequality.

Global Impact and Lessons for Other Countries

The Ehsaas Program has also been presented as a case study in international forums focused on social protection. Countries across South Asia, Africa, and the Middle East have looked to Ehsaas as a potential model for developing their own poverty alleviation strategies. Key aspects of the program that have attracted international attention include:

• The integration of social protection and technology, particularly the use of the NSER and digital payment systems.
• The emphasis on women’s financial empowerment, which has provided a blueprint for other nations aiming to reduce gender inequality.
• The program’s ability to respond rapidly to crises, as demonstrated during the COVID-19 pandemic when Ehsaas Emergency Cash was disbursed to millions of households within weeks of the lockdown​

Challenges in International Perception

While the Ehsaas Program has received widespread praise, there are also areas where international observers have expressed concerns. One such area is the program’s fiscal sustainability. Given Pakistan’s ongoing economic challenges, including high levels of debt and inflation, there are questions about whether the government will be able to sustain the program at its current scale over the long term. International financial institutions have encouraged Pakistan to explore public-private partnerships and innovative financing mechanisms, such as social impact bonds, to ensure that the Ehsaas Program remains financially viable​

Moreover, some international observers have noted that the program’s focus on cash transfers—while crucial for immediate poverty relief—needs to be complemented by longer-term strategies aimed at promoting economic self-reliance. While the Ehsaas Program includes components such as skills training and income-generation initiatives, critics argue that these efforts need to be scaled up to reduce long-term dependency on welfare.

3. Media Coverage and Civil Society Feedback

The role of the media and civil society in shaping public and international perception of the Ehsaas Program cannot be overstated. Both national and international media outlets have extensively covered the program, often highlighting its achievements in poverty reduction and its innovative use of digital tools.

Positive Media Coverage

Local media outlets have largely been supportive of the Ehsaas Program, particularly in highlighting the success stories of individuals who have benefited from cash transfers, educational scholarships, and healthcare support. Coverage has focused on the program’s role in mitigating economic distress during the COVID-19 pandemic and its efforts to empower women through financial inclusion. International media have similarly praised the program as an example of how developing countries can leverage technology to improve service delivery.

Criticism from Civil Society

However, civil society organizations have offered more nuanced critiques. While many non-governmental organizations (NGOs) working in poverty alleviation have commended the government for the scale and ambition of the Ehsaas Program, they have also called for greater engagement with local communities in the program’s design and implementation. For instance, NGOs working with marginalized communities, such as ethnic minorities and people with disabilities, have argued that these groups are not sufficiently represented in the program’s targeting mechanisms.

Additionally, some activists have pointed out the need for greater transparency in how funds are allocated and used, particularly in light of Pakistan’s long history of corruption in public programs. While the digital tools employed by Ehsaas have significantly improved transparency, civil society groups argue that further steps, such as public disclosure of beneficiary data and more independent audits, could help enhance trust in the program.

Conclusion: A Promising but Evolving Initiative

As the Ehsaas Program continues to expand its reach in 2024, its public and international perception remains largely positive. Domestically, it has provided critical support to millions of families, while internationally, it serves as a model for other countries tackling similar challenges. However, the program is not without its challenges. Concerns about inclusivity, fiscal sustainability, and accessibility persist, and ongoing efforts to improve governance and engage civil society will be essential in ensuring that Ehsaas continues to meet its goals. By addressing these issues, the program can not only maintain its success but also strengthen its impact both within Pakistan and beyond.