Zuabir Qureshi
Prime Minister Imran Khan will launch the Ehsaas Asset Transfer programme—one of several programmes under the Ehsaas umbrella— on Friday, Feb 21 with an objective to create livelihood opportunities for the most disadvantaged and deprived segments of society.
The Asset Transfer programme involves giving away of small “assets” to those who live below the poverty line so that they can earn a living and can come out of the shackles of poverty. Assets include livestock (goats, cows, buffaloes and poultry), agricultural inputs, body of Chingchi rickshaws, and inputs for small retail outlets and small enterprises.
According to an official the programme is commencing in 375 rural Union Councils in 23 of the poorest districts across the 4 provinces of Pakistan.
The programme has set a target of providing around 200,000 assets to the deserving households (60% women and 30% youth beneficiaries). In total, 1.45 million people will benefit from this programme. The scale of the programme will be enhanced based on results.The total budget of the asset transfer programme is PKR 15 billion.
This programme is complimentary to Ehsaas Kafaalat, operations of which commenced on January 31, 2020and through which the government will provide cash stipends of Rs 2000 to around 7 million most deserving women by end of the year, the official further said.
