RAWALPINDI: The National Socioeconomic Registry survey under the Ehsaas programme will begin in the district from Jan 25, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection Dr Sania Nishtar said on Friday.

Addressing a press conference at the Deputy Commissioner’s Office, Dr Nishtar said a door-to-door survey would be carried out in the country to gather data about the socioeconomic status of each household.

Accompanied by Deputy Commissioner retired Capt Anwarul Haq, the special assistant said the survey in Rawalpindi district would continue till Feb 25.“The survey to identify poor households has been completed in 41 districts while it is under progress in 72 districts,” she added.

Surveyors will collect data on Android tablets instead of forms and no fee will not be collected from people seeking registration.

“The new beneficiaries identified through the survey would also be included in the Ehsaas Nashonuma, Waseela-i-Taleem Digital, Interest-Free Loan and many other schemes,” Dr Nishtar said, adding that teachers were being trained in connection with the survey and will be given reasonable payments for their contributions.

Prime Minister Imran Khan had directed that transparency be ensured in the programme, she said, adding that the same principles were followed during disbursement of assistance under the Ehsaas Emergency Cash programme. Legal action will be taken against those involved in forgery.

The number of Kafaalat beneficiary families has been expanded from 4.6 million to 7 million along and the programme’s budget has been increased up to Rs200 billion, the special assistant said, adding that 48 Ehsaas Nashonuma centres were being established across the country to prevent stunted growth in children.

On the other hand, Ehsaas Tahafuz programme will be launched at the Holy Family Hospital in February, she added.

The programme aims at providing financial assistance to the vulnerable segment of the society.

Published in Dawn, January 16th, 2021