ISLAMABAD, Sept 16: A sum of Rs4.4 billion was distributed among 0.24 million people under the Zakat rehabilitation programme during the year 2002-03, the National Assembly was informed.

Similarly, the Khushhali Bank and the first micro-finance bank disbursed micro credit of Rs4.3 billion during the period, benefiting 1.14 million households.

During the question hour, the house was informed in a written reply that the poverty trend, which had substantially accelerated mainly due to exogenous factors like drought, would begin to decline.

The micro-credit system has been strengthened and rehabilitation programmes have been implemented to develop sustainable livelihood opportunities for the poor and to reduce poverty.

As a result of different reforms in the taxation, public expenditure rationalization, financial sector reforms and privatization, the economic growth rate increased from 2.2 per cent in 2000-01 to 5.1 in 2002-03.

The allocations for the anti-poverty programmes were increased from Rs133 billion in 2000-01 to Rs188 billion in 2003-04. This helped create additional fiscal space for anti- poverty programmes.

The education sector, health and population welfare reforms had also increased the coverage and the quality of services delivered as a result of which the adult literacy rate was increased from 32 per cent in 1980-85 to 53 per cent in 2002-03.

The primary school participation rate has gone up from 44 per cent of the age group 5-9 in 1980-85 to 88 per cent in 2002-03. The female participation rate also increased from 30 per cent in 1980-85 to 76 per cent in 2002-03.

The access to safe water in rural and urban areas has also increased from 38 per cent in 1980-85 to 66 per cent.

About programmes to generate income and employment, the house was told that specific programmes had been implemented to reduce vulnerability of the poor.

These programmes include the Tawana Pakistan Programme to provide food to children in schools, covering 500,000 girl students in poor areas; food support programme worth Rs2.5 billion extended to 2.5 million households; social security schemes; workers’ welfare fund, and the employees old-age benefit institutions.

The effect of government policies on economic growth and social development has been very encouraging and the human development indicators showed positive progress.

To another question, the house was informed that the ministry of planning and development had incurred an expenditure of Rs153 million during the year 2001-02 but it had to surrender an amount of Rs2.2 million on June 30, 2002.