Latest News: Benazir Khawajasara and Ehsaas Masawat Programs 2024

The Benazir Khawajasara and Ehsaas Masawat Programs are vital initiatives designed to support the transgender community in Pakistan, providing much-needed economic assistance and addressing their unique challenges.

Benazir Khawajasara Program Addressing Transgender Challenges

The Benazir Khawajasara Program, part of the broader Masawat Program, specifically targets transgender women. This initiative offers financial support to transgender women, particularly those over 40 years old, who receive Rs. 7,000 every three months. The program is a subset of the Ehsaas initiative, initially aimed at alleviating poverty but expanded to promote equality, including for transgender individuals.

Key Benefits:

  • Financial assistance of Rs. 7,000 quarterly for transgender women over 40.
  • Part of the broader Ehsaas initiative aimed at promoting equality and reducing poverty.

Challenges Faced by the Transgender Community

In Pakistan and many other countries, transgender individuals encounter significant personal, social, cultural, and economic challenges. These challenges often lead to high levels of isolation and social exclusion. The Benazir Khawajasara Program aims to address these vulnerabilities by providing targeted support to transgender women.

Addressing Vulnerabilities:

  • Financial support to reduce economic hardship.
  • Efforts to combat social exclusion and promote inclusion.

Ehsaas Masawat Program: Empowering Transgender Individuals

The Ehsaas Masawat Program is a crucial component of the Ehsaas initiative, focusing on selected interventions outlined in the Transgender Welfare Policy. This program supports all registered transgender individuals (TGPs) in Punjab, enabling them to establish small businesses and access various support services.

Program Details:

  • Interest-Free Loans: Up to Rs. 1 lakh, provided in collaboration with the Punjab Small Industries Corporation (PSIC) and the Punjab Social Protection Authority (PSPA).
  • Medical Support: Organizes medical camps for screening, treatment, and drug therapies in collaboration with health departments and the private sector.
  • Employment Opportunities: Facilitates employment by partnering with private sector organizations.

How to Register for the Programs

Registration for Benazir Khawajasara Program:

  1. Obtain a gender-specific ID card from NADRA.
  2. Visit the Benazir Income Support Program office to register.

Online Registration for Ehsaas Masawat Program:

  • The government of Punjab has initiated online registration to facilitate transgender individuals. Eligible persons can register online through any branch of the Bank of Punjab.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Age above 40 years.
  • Disabled transgender individuals below 40 years are also eligible.
  • Possession of a transgender CNIC indicating disability.

Financial Assistance Details

Ehsaas Masawat Program Cash Benefits:

  • Senior TGPs receive Rs. 3,000 per month.
  • Disabled transgender persons receive Rs. 2,000 per month.
  • Cash can be disbursed from any HBL Konnect agent across Punjab.

Objectives of the Transgender Programs

The main objectives of these programs are to:

  • Integrate transgender individuals into public services and society.
  • Protect against unemployment by providing consumption support.
  • Promote human capital accumulation and increase access to productive assets and income-generating activities.
  • Improve health outcomes to protect against health shocks.

FAQs

What is the Ehsaas Masawat Program?

The Ehsaas Masawat Program is an initiative by the government to support transgender individuals in society, addressing their distinct social problems.

With whom is the Ehsaas Masawat Program working?

The program collaborates with the Punjab Social Protection Authority and the Bank of Punjab.

What are the goals of the Ehsaas Masawat Program?

The program aims to provide transgender individuals with access to basic healthcare, employment opportunities, and comprehensive financial assistance.

Conclusion

The new registrations for the Masawat Program and Benazir Khawajasara Program in 2024 signify a progressive step towards equality and empowerment. By expanding access and providing comprehensive support, these programs contribute to a more inclusive and just society.

Leave a Comment