Malik Ashraf
POVERTY alleviation and changing economic situation of the poorer sections of the society is one of the
top priorities of the PTI government as enunciated in the party manifesto but unfortunately the state of economy inherited by it was such that the government perforce had to focus more on its stabilization than poverty alleviation measures. Nevertheless in spite of the resource constraint the government did not lose sight of taking care of the vulnerable sections of the society. The all-encompassing ’Ehsas’ Programme amply demonstrated the commitment of the government in this regard.
Now after having gone through a successful year of stabilization of economy, the government has rightly shifted its attention to providing relief to salaried and low and middle income groups who have been bearing the brunt of the burgeoning inflation in the country as a result of the indispensable structural reforms and the volatile global economic environment on which the government had no control. Last week the government announced Rs.7 billion subsidies on 1000 items available at 4000 outlets of the Utility Stores Corporation throughout the country. According to the announced package the consumers would get a subsidy of RS.50-60 on 20-Kg flour bag, Rs.30-40 on one kg of ghee and Rs.20-30 on per Kg of rice, which are the basic food items.
It is quite a substantial relief for the poor masses and indicates the sensitivity of the government to the difficulties faced by them. To make sure that this relief is not abused by some unscrupulous elements the government has also made it obligatory for the consumers to present their ID cards while making purchases from the Utility Store outlet. This way it would be convenient for the consumers to buy their monthly ration in one go and nobody would be able to abuse the system due to biometric record of purchasers with Utility Stores. The relief package will not only provide relief to the targeted groups but it would also contribute towards stabilization of prices in the open market. Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Information Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan announcing the relief package along with MD of Utility Stores Corporation revealed that a separate package of subsidies for the month of Ramadan will also be announced later on. The government is also contemplating to announce a ration card scheme for the poor in the near future. It was revealed by the Prime Minister Imran Khan while talking to media during his visit to an outlet of the Utility Store in Islamabad. Under the scheme the poor people will be able to receive free basic commodities worth Rs.3000 per month from the Utility Stores.
Needless to emphasize that prime duty of the state and the governments running the state affairs is to promote the well-being of the people by pursuing policies aimed at poverty alleviation and providing safety nets for the vulnerable sections of the society in conformity with the modern concept of a welfare state. Poverty and economic inequalities in a society and state can have serious social and political repercussions to the extent of destabilizing the state itself. That provides the rationale for most of the modern states laying more emphasis on poverty alleviation and providing safety nets for the poorer sections of the society. The Quaid in his speech to the Constituent Assembly on 11 August 1947 while dilating on the challenges facing the new nation and the steps he thought the Constituent Assembly and the government should take to realize the objectives of independence, said “Now if we want to make this great state of Pakistan happy and prosperous we should wholly and solely concentrate on the well-being of the people, and especially of the masses and poor”.
Article 38(d) of our constitution says “the State shall provide basic necessities of life, such as food, clothing. housing, education and medical relief, for all such citizens, irrespective of sex, caste, creed or race, as are permanently or temporarily unable to earn their livelihood on account of infirmity, sickness or unemployment”. Unfortunately this Article of recommendatory nature has never been given due priority by successive governments though some half-hearted attempts were made from time to time to address a specific issue. No comprehensive and coordinated efforts were unfurled to deal with the issues listed in this Article.
However, it is encouraging to note that the PTI government under the stewardship of Prime Minister Imran Khan seems quite committed to the responsibilities of the government under Article 38(d). Apart from providing relief on basic commodities it has also initiated ‘Sehat Sahulat Programme’ under which the eligible families holding Sehat Insaf Card can get free treatment up to Rs 300000 per family for priority treatment in the designated hospitals in regards to diseases needing hospitalization. If need be the family will enjoy additional coverage of Rs.300000. This package pertains to heart diseases, diabetes, mellitus, burns and RTA, end stage kidney disease, chronic infection, cancer and organ failure and neurosurgical procedures. For secondary care there is a limit of Rs.60000 per family per year with additional provision of Rs.60000 pertaining to emergency treatment, maternity services, fractures and injuries. The foregoing steps taken by the government undoubtedly are the much needed strides towards making Pakistan a truly welfare state. With the prospects of economy gaining strength during 2020 and thereafter, it is hoped that the government will not only be able to take its welfare and poverty alleviation agenda to a still higher level but would also be in a better position to create jobs to improve employment situation in the country.
— The writer is freelance columnist based in Islamabad.
