The Government of Pakistan recently presented the new federal budget, and many were hopeful about potential enhancements in social support programs, particularly the Ehsaas Kafalat program. In this article, we will delve into the realities of these expectations and the current status of the Ehsaas Kafalat payments.
Overview of the Ehsaas Kafalat Program
The Ehsaas Kafalat program is a key social protection initiative aimed at providing financial support to the most vulnerable segments of society. The program is designed to provide regular cash payments to eligible families to help them meet their basic needs.
Ehsaas Kafalat Expectations vs. Reality
There was significant anticipation that the Ehsaas Kafalat payment would increase from PKR 10,500 to PKR 12,500 or even PKR 13,000. However, based on the initial reports from the budget presentation:
- No special budget has been allocated for the increase in the Ehsaas Kafalat payments.
- The payment amount remains at PKR 10,500 per installment.
Budget Allocation
Contrary to the hopes of many, the budget did not include additional funds specifically for the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), which oversees the Ehsaas Kafalat program. This has been a point of contention, particularly for the Pakistan People’s Party.
Also Read: 37 Billion Ehsaas Kafalat Cash Distributed to Eligible Families
Ehsaas Installment Schedule
There was also speculation about changing the Ehsaas payment schedule from three-monthly installments to six-monthly installments. However, the government has not implemented this change. The payments will continue to be disbursed as follows:
- Three-monthly installments of PKR 10,500 each.
Future Prospects
Given the current economic and political situation, the prospects for an increase in the Ehsaas Kafalat payments seem low. However, the government has expressed its commitment to launching new Ehsaas programs and improving the quality of existing ones.
Other Aid Programs
Apart from the Ehsaas Kafalat program, there were also expectations for special budget allocations for new initiatives like the solar system program and the Kisan card. However, initial reports suggest these programs are also at risk due to budget constraints.
What is the current payment amount for the Ehsaas Kafalat program?
The current payment amount is PKR 10,500 per installment, disbursed every three months.
Are there any new Ehsaas programs being launched?
While the government has announced intentions to launch new Ehsaas programs, specific details, and budget allocations for these initiatives are still unclear.
What about the solar system program and Kisan card?
Initial reports indicate that the budget for these aid programs is also uncertain, and they may face challenges in implementation.
Conclusion
The hopes for increased Ehsaas Kafalat payments in the new budget have not been realized. The payment amount remains unchanged, and the anticipated enhancements in the aid programs have not been allocated the necessary budget. As the situation evolves, it is crucial to stay informed about any new developments regarding these essential social support initiatives.
For the latest updates on the Ehsaas Kafalat program and other social welfare initiatives, keep following trusted news sources and official announcements from the Government of Pakistan.