Ehsaas for the poor

When it comes to helping less fortunate members of society Pakistanis are one of most charitable people in the world. But there is no shortage of cheaters. The first phase of the Ehsaas Emergency Cash Programme for the disbursement of Rs 12,000 to daily wagers and piece-rate workers worst affected by the coronavirus lockdown started last week. The amount was barely enough to help the poor and jobless to make ends meet. But reports soon started emerging of several beneficiaries complaining of unauthorized deductions. At least 25 people, including a police officer, have been arrested from different parts of Sindh for stealing money from the poor. In Dadu, nine people were arrested and five CNICs and 25,000 recovered from their possession. It is good to note that action has been swift unlike the laxity that characterizes official attitude under normal circumstances.

After the second phase, in which the remainder of the 12 million eligible beneficiaries are to receive cash assistance, it may become necessary for the government to extend the programme to the next quarter, i.e., if lockdowns are to continue in some form. This being the first time such large-scale distributions of cash were made, problems were likely to crop up, as they have. A major flaw appears to be in the mode of distribution. A per the plan, deserving families are to receive cash handouts through over 18,065 sale points of two private banks, for which provincial governments were asked to provide open public spaces for setting up disbursement arrangements, as well as management of crowds. That created opportunities for unscrupulous elements to take advantage of the recipients. This is amply illustrated by the example of the arrested police officer. According to press reports, although posted at the Counter-Terrorism Department in Karachi, he was also working as an authorized agent of a bank for which he had set up a centre inside his home in Khairpur, where he took a certain amount out of poor people's relief fund. Also cause of concern is the number of distribution points, which falls far short of the requirement. People have been seen standing long hours crowded closely together in long queues - in utter disregard of social/physical distancing - leading in one instance to a woman's death from sheer exhaustion.

The government needs to review this system. It should consider using the services of mobile operators for the disbursement of funds. That is imperative to create ease of access for the recipients and also cut out the role of corrupt intermediaries who think of nothing to deceive even the poor of the poorest.