Lahore: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) on Wednesday approved USD 600 million support for Ehsaas social protective programme, according to news sources.
As per the details shared, the loan will finance a results-based programme to expand and strengthen the social protection network. It was mentioned that conditional cash transfers will be used to support the implementation of Ehsaas, the poverty reduction and national social protection strategy.
Reportedly, the ADB will contribute USD 600 million as a regular loan and USD 3 million as a grant for the Asian Development Fund. Additionally, the bank will also provide a USD 24 million grant from the Education Above All Foundation.
According to ADB Director General for Central and West Asia Yevgeniy Zhukov, this ADB assistance marks a significant change in strategic engagement. The assistance shifted from unconditional cash transfers for income support to conditional cash transfers for health and educational services and nutritional supplies.
Under this programme, children of underprivileged families, mainly girls, will have access to primary and secondary education up to grade 10 along with better health and nutritional services for women and children. Moreover, this initiative will promote accelerated learning programmes at the primary education level for overage out-of-school children.
Iqra holds BS in International Relations and is passionate about writing engaging content on trending real estate topics. When not working, she is either spending time with family, shopping, or discussing shows & movies.
