Ehsaas Rashan Program

The Ehsaas Rashan Program is a crucial initiative launched by the Pakistani government to provide financial assistance and food support to vulnerable citizens during the COVID-19 pandemic. Under this program, 130 million people—approximately 53% of the country’s population—will receive a 30% subsidy on essential commodities, including oil/ghee, flour, and pulses, for the next six months. The program targets 20 million eligible households with a monthly income of less than Rs. 31,500. These beneficiaries were identified through the Ehsaas National Socio-Economic Registry (NSER) survey, which is part of the larger Ehsaas Program1. To apply, eligible families must register once through the Ehsaas Rashan Portal, which will be live starting November 8. Other registration modes may be introduced later, but SMS applications or other channels will not be accepted. The program ensures that subsidy disbursement occurs through designated grocery shops using a digital targeted system developed in collaboration with the National Bank of Pakistan (NBP).