Implementing Ehsaas

The government has launched an ambitious social safety and poverty alleviation programme called ‘Ehsaas’ for the welfare of the poor and downtrodden segments of society. The plan includes a constitutional amendment to make the provision of food, clothing, housing, education and medical relief as fundamental rights, the establishment of a new ministry of ‘poverty alleviation’ as well as the economic empowerment of women through a ‘one woman, one bank account plan’. The prime minister has also announced that the welfare of transgender persons, street children, bonded labour and daily wagers will be the top priority of the government under this programme. While on the face of it, it seems to be an ideal programme, and was launched with much fanfare, there is every possibility that it will hit snags when it comes to its implementation on the ground.Even if the amendment in question is made, will it be possible for the poor to approach the courts, get involved in lengthy legal processes and get (in)expensive justice? Secondly, in this persistently resource-stricken country, while funds are always available for all extravagancies, when it comes to the welfare of the poorest of the poor segments of society, there has always been a lack of funds to financially support such programmes. Third, the establishment of a separate ministry may be a good initiative provided all other poverty alleviation programmes such as BISP, Baitul Maal, Poverty Alleviation Council and Zakat Councils are detached from their existing ministries and are clubbed together under the new ministry for better coordination. So before going ahead with this programme, the incumbent government is required to think hard and make sure that it is implemented in a very well-coordinated and transparent manner.Amjad AliNowshera

from The News International - Newspost http://bit.ly/2OUMeOd