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Ehsaas Program: Eligibility, Benefits, and How to Apply

The Ehsaas Program is one of Pakistan’s most ambitious and impactful social welfare initiatives, designed to alleviate poverty and provide financial support to vulnerable sections of society. Launched by the Government of Pakistan in 2019, the program aims to provide direct cash transfers, health care, and other benefits to deserving citizens, particularly those from low-income backgrounds.

In this article, we will explore the eligibility criteria, benefits, and how individuals can apply for assistance under the Ehsaas Program.

Overview of the Ehsaas Program

The Ehsaas Program, meaning “compassion” in Urdu, is a comprehensive poverty alleviation initiative by the Government of Pakistan, spearheaded by the Ministry of Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety. The program was launched in 2019 with the primary goal of helping those who are economically disadvantaged and ensuring that no one is left behind in the country’s development.

Ehsaas aims to reduce poverty through a variety of means, including cash transfers, scholarships, and improved access to education and healthcare. The program’s multi-faceted approach is designed to tackle the root causes of poverty, provide immediate financial relief, and empower the marginalized populations of Pakistan.

The Ehsaas Program is backed by both domestic and international financial support, making it one of the largest social welfare initiatives in Pakistan’s history.

Key Features of the Ehsaas Program

Before diving into the specifics of eligibility, it is important to understand the main components of the Ehsaas Program:

Ehsaas Emergency Cash Program: Provides direct financial support to low-income families, especially in times of crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. This program offers one-time cash grants to the most vulnerable populations.
Ehsaas Kafalat Program: Aims to provide regular financial assistance to deserving families, particularly women. Eligible families receive a monthly stipend to help cover basic living expenses.

Ehsaas Amdan Program: This initiative is designed to provide income-generating opportunities for women and marginalized communities. It includes small grants for livelihood projects, such as livestock or agricultural businesses.
Ehsaas Nashonuma Program: A health-based initiative targeting the nutritional needs of children and mothers. This program provides health services, vaccinations, and nutrition support to vulnerable families.
Ehsaas Undergraduate Scholarship Program: Offers scholarships to students from underprivileged backgrounds to pursue higher education at public universities across Pakistan.
Ehsaas Tracking System: A digital platform to streamline the process of identifying deserving beneficiaries and tracking disbursements.

Eligibility Criteria for the Ehsaas Program

One of the core features of the Ehsaas Program is that it aims to target the most vulnerable people in Pakistan. The eligibility criteria are designed to ensure that the benefits reach the right people — those who are most in need of financial or social assistance.

1. Ehsaas Emergency Cash Program

The Ehsaas Emergency Cash Program was launched as a response to the economic challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. It provides financial assistance to low-income families, especially those affected by the pandemic.

Eligibility for Ehsaas Emergency Cash:

Households with low incomes: Families who are below the poverty line or whose livelihoods were impacted by COVID-19, especially daily-wage earners.
No regular income: People who do not receive a regular income from a job or business.
Vulnerable groups: People living with disabilities, elderly citizens, and those in remote areas are given priority.
Verification by NADRA: Beneficiaries are selected based on data collected by NADRA (National Database and Registration Authority), which identifies families living below the poverty threshold.

2. Ehsaas Kafalat Program

The Ehsaas Kafalat Program primarily aims to provide financial assistance to poor and deserving women across Pakistan.

Eligibility for Ehsaas Kafalat:

Women-headed households: Women who are the primary breadwinners in their families are eligible for the Ehsaas Kafalat Program.
Low-income families: Women from households with limited financial resources or no regular income.
NADRA Database: The eligibility of candidates is determined by NADRA’s database, which assesses income levels, family size, and other social criteria.
Special considerations: The program prioritizes marginalized and vulnerable groups such as widows, divorced women, and women from remote areas.

3. Ehsaas Amdan Program

This program is designed to provide small grants for income-generating activities, especially to women and marginalized communities. It helps individuals start small-scale businesses, such as livestock farming, small enterprises, or agricultural projects.

Eligibility for Ehsaas Amdan Program:

Women and marginalized groups: Priority is given to women, rural households, and individuals from low-income backgrounds.
Small-scale businesses: Individuals who have a business idea but lack the capital to get started.
Training: Eligible participants often undergo training on how to run small businesses successfully.

4. Ehsaas Nashonuma Program

The Ehsaas Nashonuma Program aims to tackle the issue of malnutrition among children and mothers. This program is focused on improving the health and nutrition of children under five years of age and pregnant or breastfeeding women.

Eligibility for Ehsaas Nashonuma Program:

Children under five years: Families with children under five who are experiencing malnutrition are eligible.
Pregnant or breastfeeding women: Women who are expecting or nursing are also prioritized for this program.
Vulnerable families: Families from low-income backgrounds or rural areas are prioritized.

5. Ehsaas Undergraduate Scholarship Program

The Ehsaas Undergraduate Scholarship Program is aimed at providing financial assistance to students from underprivileged families who wish to pursue higher education at public universities in Pakistan.

Eligibility for Ehsaas Undergraduate Scholarship Program:

Pakistani citizens: Only Pakistani nationals are eligible to apply for this scholarship.
Financial need: Applicants must belong to low-income families and demonstrate financial need.
Admission to public university: The applicant must have been accepted into an undergraduate program at a public university.
Academic performance: While financial need is the primary criterion, academic excellence is also taken into consideration.

6. Ehsaas Tracking System

The Ehsaas Tracking System helps ensure that the benefits of the program reach the intended beneficiaries. The system tracks the disbursement of funds and helps identify eligible families based on real-time data from NADRA.

How to Apply for the Ehsaas Program

The application process for various Ehsaas Program initiatives may vary depending on the type of assistance you are seeking. Below are general steps for applying to some of the key programs.

1. Ehsaas Emergency Cash Program

To apply for the Ehsaas Emergency Cash Program, follow these steps:

*SMS Service: Send your CNIC (Computerized National Identity Card) number to *8171.
Verification: You will receive a response indicating whether you are eligible for the program or not.
Visit Ehsaas Centers: If you are selected, visit the nearest Ehsaas center to collect your cash grant.

2. Ehsaas Kafalat Program

For the Ehsaas Kafalat Program:

Registration: Eligible individuals can visit the nearest Ehsaas Kafalat center, where staff will verify your details using NADRA’s system.
Biometric Verification: Women beneficiaries must undergo biometric verification to collect their monthly stipend.

3. Ehsaas Amdan Program

To apply for the Ehsaas Amdan Program:

Submit an Application: Apply through local Ehsaas offices or online platforms where the program is offered.
Participate in Training: If your application is successful, you may be required to attend a training session for managing your livelihood project.

4. Ehsaas Nashonuma Program

For the Nashonuma program:

Local Health Centers: Visit a local health center or district hospital where the program is being implemented.
Eligibility Check: Healthcare staff will check your eligibility based on your child’s age and nutritional status.

5. Ehsaas Undergraduate Scholarship Program

To apply for the Ehsaas Undergraduate Scholarship:

Online Application: Visit the official Ehsaas Scholarship website to fill out an application form.
Document Submission: Submit required documents, including proof of financial need and academic records.
Selection Process: Applicants are shortlisted based on need and academic performance.

Benefits of the Ehsaas Program

The Ehsaas Program offers a range of benefits to individuals and families, helping to alleviate financial distress and enhance their overall quality of life.

1. Financial Relief

The direct cash transfers, especially through the Ehsaas Emergency Cash Program and Ehsaas Kafalat Program, provide immediate financial assistance to poor families, helping them meet their basic needs like food, healthcare, and education.

2. Improved Access to Education

The Ehsaas Undergraduate Scholarship Program ensures that financially disadvantaged students can pursue higher education without the burden of tuition fees, opening doors to better employment opportunities.

3. Empowerment through Livelihood

Through the Ehsaas Amdan Program, women and marginalized groups gain the financial resources and skills to start income-generating businesses, improving their economic independence and social standing.

4. Health and Nutrition Support

The Ehsaas Nashonuma Program provides crucial health services, nutritional support, and vaccinations to vulnerable mothers and children, reducing malnutrition and improving the overall health outcomes of these groups.

**5. Digital Access to

Services**

The Ehsaas Tracking System streamlines the process of identifying eligible beneficiaries and ensures that aid reaches the intended recipients in a transparent and efficient manner.

Conclusion

The Ehsaas Program is a cornerstone of Pakistan’s efforts to reduce poverty and provide financial assistance to its most vulnerable citizens. By offering direct cash transfers, scholarships, and health and nutrition services, the program helps improve the living conditions of millions across the country. Its eligibility criteria are designed to ensure that support is directed toward those who need it the most, particularly women, children, and marginalized communities.

If you believe you qualify for any of the Ehsaas Program’s initiatives, it’s crucial to apply through the correct channels and follow the necessary procedures to access the support you need. With the government’s commitment to poverty alleviation, the Ehsaas Program represents hope and opportunity for countless individuals in Pakistan.