The Ehsaas Program, launched by the Government of Pakistan in 2019, is a comprehensive social safety net aimed at alleviating poverty and supporting vulnerable populations across the country. Managed by the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), the Ehsaas initiative encompasses various schemes designed to provide financial assistance, healthcare, education, and empowerment to marginalized communities. This article delves into the eligibility criteria for the Ehsaas Program, outlining the requirements for different sub-programs and offering guidance on how to apply.
Overview of the Ehsaas Program
The Ehsaas Program is a multifaceted initiative targeting the poorest segments of Pakistani society. It includes several key components:
- Ehsaas Kafalat Program: Provides monthly cash transfers to low-income families, with a focus on female-headed households.
- Ehsaas Emergency Cash Program: Offers financial assistance during emergencies, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Ehsaas Undergraduate Scholarship Program: Supports financially disadvantaged students pursuing higher education.
- Ehsaas Ration Program: Provides subsidized food items to low-income families.
- Ehsaas Loan Program: Offers interest-free loans to individuals for small businesses or educational purposes.
- Ehsaas Disabled Person Program: Provides financial assistance to individuals with disabilities.
- Ehsaas Nashonuma Program: Focuses on maternal and child health, offering cash stipends and nutritional support.
Each of these programs has specific eligibility criteria to ensure that assistance reaches those most in need.
General Eligibility Criteria
While each sub-program has its own set of requirements, the following general criteria apply across the Ehsaas Program:
- Pakistani Citizenship: Applicants must be citizens of Pakistan.
- Valid CNIC: A Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC) issued by the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) is mandatory.
- Age Requirement: Applicants should be 18 years or older.
- Income Level: The applicant’s family income must fall below the poverty line, as determined by the National Socio-Economic Registry (NSER) assessment.
- Residency: Applicants must be residents of Pakistan and not hold a passport or have traveled abroad recently.
- Non-Employment: Family members should not be employed by the government or hold significant assets, such as owning more than two acres of land or having a personal vehicle.
Specific Eligibility Criteria for Sub-Programs
Ehsaas Kafalat Program
The Ehsaas Kafalat Program provides monthly cash transfers to low-income families, with a focus on empowering women. To be eligible:
- Income Threshold: The family’s monthly income should be below PKR 25,000.
- Female Headed Households: Preference is given to female-headed households or those without adult male members.
- Age Limit: Applicants should be between 18 and 65 years old.
- Employment Status: The applicant or their family members should not be employed in government services.
Ehsaas Emergency Cash Program
This program offers financial assistance during emergencies. Eligibility criteria include:
- Income Level: Families with a monthly income below PKR 25,000.
- Employment Status: Family members should not be employed by the government.
- Asset Ownership: Applicants should not own significant assets like vehicles or large landholdings.
Ehsaas Undergraduate Scholarship Program
The scholarship program supports financially disadvantaged students pursuing higher education. Eligibility requirements are:
- Admission Status: Applicants must have secured admission in an HEC-recognized public sector university.
- Financial Need: The applicant’s family income should fall below the poverty line.
- Academic Merit: Admission must be based on merit, not self-finance or evening programs.
- Age Limit: The applicant must meet the age criteria set by the respective institution.
Ehsaas Ration Program
This program provides subsidized food items to low-income families. To qualify:
- Income Level: The family’s monthly income should be below PKR 25,000.
- Asset Ownership: Applicants should not own significant assets or have bank accounts.
- Employment Status: Family members should not be employed by the government.
Ehsaas Loan Program
The loan program offers interest-free loans to individuals for small businesses or educational purposes. Eligibility criteria include:
- Income Threshold: Applicants earning below PKR 40,000 per month.
- Special Categories: Women, students, persons with disabilities, and transgender individuals are encouraged to apply.
- Age Limit: Applicants should be between 18 and 60 years old.
- Loan Amount: Loans range from PKR 2,000 to PKR 200,000.
Ehsaas Disabled Person Program
This program provides financial assistance to individuals with disabilities. To be eligible:
- Disability Certification: A valid disability certificate recognized by NADRA.
- Poverty Score: A Poverty Means Test (PMT) score below 30.
- Income Level: The family’s monthly income should be below PKR 25,000.
Ehsaas Nashonuma Program
Focusing on maternal and child health, this program offers cash stipends and nutritional support. Eligibility requirements are:
- Pregnancy Status: The applicant must be pregnant.
- Child’s Age: Children under the age of two are eligible for nutritional support.
- Health Compliance: Regular health check-ups and vaccinations are mandatory.
Application Process
To apply for the Ehsaas Program, follow these steps:
- Registration: Visit the official Ehsaas registration portal at 8171.pass.gov.pk and complete the online registration form.
- Eligibility Check: Enter your CNIC number to check your eligibility status.
- Document Submission: Provide necessary documents, such as CNIC, proof of income, utility bills, and disability certificate (if applicable).
- Biometric Verification: Attend a biometric verification session at a designated center.
- Payment Collection: Upon successful verification, collect your financial assistance from authorized payment centers.
Important Considerations
- Multiple Applications: Only one member per family should apply to avoid duplication.
- Re-registration: If previously declared ineligible, individuals can re-register after updating their information.
- Helpline: For assistance, contact the Ehsaas helpline at 021-111-000-425.
Conclusion
The Ehsaas Program is a vital initiative by the Government of Pakistan to support the underprivileged and marginalized communities. By meeting the specific eligibility criteria for each sub-program, individuals can access financial assistance, healthcare, education, and empowerment opportunities. It is essential to stay informed about the requirements and application processes to benefit from this comprehensive social safety net.