The Ehsaas Rashan Riayat program is one of the most important social protection schemes of Pakistan, intended to distribute food commodities to several million needy households all across the country. The scheme initiated in 2021 serves to save the poor masses from surging inflation and food costs.
What is the Ehsaas Rashan Riayat Program?
The Ehsaas Rashan Riayat is a food subsidy scheme designed by the Government of Pakistan for the purpose of giving subsidies on various food items to poor people across country. Through this scheme monthly subsidy of 30% is awarded to registered families and people on the purchase of essential items such as wheat flour (atta), cooking oil/ghee, and pulses .
The scheme was introduced in 2021, and inaugurated by the Special Assistant to the PM on Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection, Dr. Sania Nishtar, through visiting a grocery store for registering them with the scheme on 24 November 2021, whereas on 7 March 2022 it was further inaugurated by Prime Minister Imran Khan making 3 years of the main scheme Ehsaas.
Program Objectives
The major objectives for the Ehsaas Rashan Riayat program are as under:
- To make food items economical accessible for the poverty stricken strata of society
- To reduce inflationary pressure from the most vulnerable strata of the society
- Food security to ensure a supply of foods items in approximately 130 million of populations
- To adopt technologically backed systems for ensuring transparency
Eligibility Criteria for Ehsaas Rashan Riayat
Who Can Apply?
Ehsaas Rashan Riayat Application process for Eligibility: The programme is initiated to attract all households and to ensure all the poor households have access to the aid they would receive with the Ehsaas Rashan Riayat program. Therefore, eligibility for a household would ensure not to be misled.
| Eligibility Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Monthly Income | Less than Rs. 50,000 |
| CNIC Requirement | Valid Computerized National Identity Card with registered mobile SIM |
| Household | Only one person per household can register |
| BISP Beneficiaries | Eligible for up to 40% discount if already registered |
| Registration Status | Families must be registered in the Ehsaas Socioeconomic Registry |
Important Notes About Eligibility
- The program uses the Ehsaas National Socio-Economic Registry to select beneficiary families
- A steering committee analyzes applicant data to determine eligibility
- Non-BISP eligible families may receive a 20% discount instead of the maximum 40%
How To Apply For Ehsaas Rashan Riayat?
How to Register Online
In the Ehsaas Rashan Riayat registration, which can be done in many easy ways as follow:
Step-by-Step Registration Guide
- Visit the Official Portal: Go to ehsaasrashan.pass.gov.pk
- Enter Your CNIC: Provide your 13-digit Computerized National Identity Card number
- Verify Mobile Number: Ensure your mobile number is registered under your own CNIC
- Submit Application: Complete the online form with required information
- Wait for Verification: Family eligibility is determined within four weeks
- Receive Confirmation: Eligible applicants receive confirmation messages from 8171
SMS Registration Method
The program also offers an SMS-based registration option for those with limited internet access:
| Step | Action | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Open SMS | Go to your phone’s messaging app |
| 2 | Enter CNIC | Type your 13-digit CNIC number without spaces |
| 3 | Send | Send the SMS to 8171 |
| 4 | Wait | Receive confirmation and eligibility status via reply SMS |
Important Registration Updates
Registration was initially closed on January 26, 2022, after receiving 19.5 million applications, out of which 9.3 million families were identified for verification. However, the government later reopened registration to allow more deserving families to benefit from the program .
Benefits and Discount Structure
Subsidy Breakdown
The Ehsaas Rashan Riayat program offers different discount levels depending on the applicant’s eligibility status and enrollment in other social protection programs.
Discount Categories
| Category | Discount Percentage | Maximum Monthly Value | Eligible Items |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full Beneficiary (BISP Enrolled) | Up to 40% | Rs. 4,500 | Flour, Sugar, Cooking Oil/Ghee, Pulses |
| Partial Beneficiary | 20% | Up to Rs. 2,000 | Selected food items |
Program Scale and Reach
Ehsaas Rashan Riayat Programme is the biggest socio-support scheme launched so far in the history of Pakistan and details here. The key facts:
| Program Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Targeted Households | 20 million families |
| Total Beneficiaries | 130 million people (53% of population) |
| Total Subsidy Budget | Rs. 106 billion |
| Subsidy Rate | 30% per month on essential commodities |
Commodities Covered
Beneficiaries can purchase the following items at subsidized rates:
- Wheat Flour: Essential staple for Pakistani households
- Cooking Oil/Ghee: Important cooking ingredient
- Pulses: Protein-rich food items
- Sugar: Essential household commodity
Partner Utility Stores and Kiryana Shops
How the Distribution System Works
The program has established a network of registered grocery stores and utility stores across Pakistan. Selected grocery stores undergo thorough verification before joining the program . These stores receive a reasonable commission to encourage serving poor customers under the program.
Additional Incentives for Merchants
The government has introduced lucky draws every quarter with exciting prizes including:
- Cars
- Motorcycles
- Mobile phones
- Various other prizes
This initiative aims to create healthy competition among merchants and improve service delivery .
Technology and Transparency Measures
Digital Infrastructure
The Ehsaas Rashan Riayat program relies on cutting-edge technology to ensure transparency and prevent fraud:
- Ehsaas Rashan Portal: ehsaasrashan.pass.gov.pk for online registration
- 8171 SMS Service: For eligibility verification and application status
- Ehsaas Socioeconomic Registry: South Asia’s first digital survey covering 34.41 million families
- National Database: Integration with NADRA for CNIC verification
Fraud Prevention Mechanisms
Up-to-date technology measures have been developed to avoid manipulation and checkmate abuse . These include:
- Biometric verification at partner stores
- Real-time eligibility checking through the 8171 system
- Data analytics to identify ineligible applicants
- Regular audit of participating grocery stores
Ehsaas Rashan Riayat vs Other Ehsaas Programs
The Rashan Riayat programme fits within the wider Ehsaas plan to include the following pillars related to social protection:
| Program | Focus | Beneficiaries |
|---|---|---|
| Rashan Riayat | Food subsidy | 20 million families |
| Kafaalat | Cash stipends | 8 million families (increased to Rs. 14,000) |
| School Stipend | Education support | 10 million children |
| Undergraduate Scholarships | Higher education | 200,000 students |
| Nashonuma Centers | Nutrition | 160 centers across districts |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Ehsaas Rashan Riayat programme?
The Ehsaas Rashan Riayat programme was launched by the Pakistani government in 2021 to offer financial assistance to low-income households by subsidising the price of everyday foods – such as flour, cooking oil/ghee and lentils by a sum equal to 30% of the market rate.
How do I check my eligibility for the Ehsaas Rashan Programme?
Using your ID Card or its 13 digits send bySMS to 8171, visit its official portal ehsaasrashan.pass.gov.pk to register and receive messages on its status of eligibility, If you are eligible a message will surely be received.
What is the income limit to be part of Ehsaas Rashan Riayat?
Those having a monthly income of less than Rs 50,000/- can be entitled for the programme.
What subsidy percentage can I receive?
While entitled families can receive up to 30 percent discount on essentials commodities, 20% on specified items and maximum subsidy can be claimed by BISP recipients with percentage up to 40 percent on the basic commodities of daily use.
Can I still apply if I have a BISP card?
As most individuals entitled to Ehsaas Cash Package under BISP are automatically entitled to benefit from Ehsaas Rashan Programme, they need not to apply and can get up to 40% discount on necessary eatables to ease them.
Latest Updates and News
Registration Updates
There have been several registration phases for the Ehsaas Rashan Riayat program. Originally they had accepted 19.5 million applications, closed it, and then reopened it again, to allow more families with need access to this vital support system.
Program Expansion
After the Eid festivities, the government also gave discounts to the families for coping up with inflation by providing them with subsidized rations up to Rs 4,500.
8171 Portal Enhancement
The government has now established 8123 web portal alongside with 8171 and both the programs assist low-income families in obtaining economic incentives as well as cheaper ration prices.
Conclusion
The program is considered the most significant measure taken by the government to achieve food security of millions of poorest citizens of Pakistan. Twenty million poor Pakistani households have been provided subsidies under this program. Transparency through a Technology driven mechanism and hefty subsidies on selected items have been ensured.
Therefore for those who wants to get their share from this program and want to get their benefit the one who want benefit form there, need to always confirm due date of registration, verify their national identity card number CNIC is active, and want to know about their subsidy by searching from online government portal.