LAHORE: The Ehsas Ration Discount Programme would be initially introduced under the Ehsas Punjab Programme to help overcome everyday problems of low-income families.

This was stated by Punjab Finance Minister Muhammad Mohsin Leghari while addressing the maiden meeting of the steering committee of the Ehsas Punjab Programme on Wednesday.

Adviser on Social Protection Senator Dr Sania Nishtar, chairman and secretary P&D and finance department officials were present.

The minister said the provision of edibles to deserving families would be ensured through this programme.

He said for this purpose, ‘karyana’ stores [grocery outlets] would be made part of the digital ecosystem by benefitting from the data of the National Bank of Pakistan, Nadra and cellular companies.

He said the programme would ensure transparency along with easy access to the targeted deserving persons.

He said provision of treatment facilities to physically-challenged persons and financial assistance to low-income families would also be part of the Punjab Ehsas Programme and the Ehsas Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection Act, 2022 would be approved to make Ehsas Programme a success.

Mr Leghari said Ehsas desks would be set up in districts to effectively implement this programme by providing necessary information and guidance to the targeted people at the grassroots.

He said Khidmat centres would also be utilised for Ehsas desks, claiming that the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf is the first political party to resolve the problems of families living below the poverty line.

The minister also stressed the need for adopting solid measures regarding the health of mother and child and overcoming nutritional deficiency in children under the Ehsas Programme and concluded that the establishment of a network of shelter homes is part of this strategy which would be made more useful.

Published in Dawn, August 18th, 2022