City Reporter
In a high-level meeting, Prime Minister Imran Khan was briefed about the ongoing preparations for the upcoming Ehsaas Targeted Commodity Subsidy programme.
Senator Dr. Sania Nishtar, SAPM briefed the PM on the ‘Subsidy Point of Sale’ system for the Ehsaas Targeted Subsidy programme that has been developed in collaboration with National Bank of Pakistan.
Prime Minister lauded the digital ecosystem being developed for Ehsaas targeted subsidy programme.
He also lauded the special transparency measures being taken to ensure transfer of targeted subsidies solely to the deserving.
PM directed to fast-track deployment of the ‘Subsidy Point of Sale’ system so that economic relief could be provided to the poor through targeted subsidies on essential food commodities.
Under Ehsaas, commodity subsidies will be administered through Ehsaas database by a network of Kiryana stores. These targeted subsidies will be given on selected essential commodities.
According to an official press statement, Dr. Sania said, “Our government firmly believes that target subsidy is the right of poorest households who have no or limited means of income.
Ehsaas is collaborating with National Bank of Pakistan to pass on the benefit of targeted subsidies to the deserving households. All preparations are on track.”
Previously, under the untargeted subsidies, the benefits were availed equally by both the rich and poor. Even households who could easily afford market prices also availed benefits of subsidized pricing.
To ensure targeted subsidy transfer, Ehsaas Subsidy Mobile Point of Sale (MPoS) will be linked to the Ehsaas databases and eligible beneficiaries will be identified through their CNICs.