PM Imran to launch

PM Imran to launch Ehsaas Kafaalat card with Quaid's picture today 

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister ran Khan will unveil new Ehsaas Kafaalat card today(Friday) with the founder of the country Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah's picture on it.

The card will not only make the beneficiaries able to withdraw monthly cash payment but will also connect them to other initiatives under the Ehsaas programme.

The card will be unveiled at the launch of new Kafaalat programme today which will provide Rs:2,000 monthly cash payment to seven million of the poorest women in the country.

Previous safety net initiatives under Benazir Income Support Programme, for a decade, had the image of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto on it. Later, during Nawaz Sharif's government,two pictures appeared on the card-Nawaz Sharif and Benazir.

"Coming under the umbrella of Ehsaas, the Kafaalat  will realize the prime minister's longstanding commitment to 'Money for Rations' and 'One Women, One Bank Account,"said the report.

All beneficiaries will be able to access the payments at special ATMs and bank branches and will also have the option to deposit funds into a savings account.

"There are major differences between the earlier BISP programme and Kafaalat", explained Dr Sania Nishtar. " Major changes have been made after 10 years. The survey methodology has been revised to enable ongoing identification of beneficiaries through desk registration. The earlier survey was 10 years old, "she said.

"Also, the payment system was 10 years old and through a new procurement process, a new payment system has been installed."The cash transfer has been increased, inflation adjusted and the safety net Kafaalat now offers digital and financial inclusion opportunity since women will have bank accounts and better access to mobile phones. We are using data analytics to refine the list of beneficiaries and make sure that only the true deserving have access to safety nets", added Nishtar.

The Kafaalat programme is expected to benefits seven million women by the end of 2020.