Sindh Gets Innovative: Bhook Mitao & Women in Ag Programs

Sindh Gets Innovative: Bhook Mitao & Women in Ag Programs

Sindh Gets Innovative: Bhook Mitao & Women in Ag Programs to Fight Hunger , Empower Communities

Sindh Launches Innovative Programs to Combat Hunger and Empower Women in Agriculture.

Karachi, Pakistan - April 29, 2024

The Sindh government, led by Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, has unveiled two pioneering programs designed to tackle food insecurity and uplift vulnerable communities in the province. These initiatives, Bhook Mitao (Urdu for Eradicate Hunger) and the Benazir Women Agriculture Workers Support program, hold the promise of empowering marginalized populations and fostering a more equitable society.

1. Bhook Mitao: A Data-Driven Approach to Eradicating Hunger

Vision: Bhook Mitao envisions a future free from hunger, achieved through a scientific and data-driven approach. The program will employ a combination of innovative tools and methodologies to pinpoint the most vulnerable segments of the Sindh population.

Actionable Solutions:Based on the collected data, Bhook Mitao will design and implement feasible solutions to address food security challenges and bolster the resilience of these communities. The program aims to create a sustainable path towards hunger eradication in Sindh.

Feasibility Study Greenlit: The Sindh Social Protection Board has sanctioned a Rs 30 million budget to conduct a comprehensive feasibility study for Bhook Mitao. This in-depth analysis will pave the way for the program's successful execution.

2. Benazir Women Agriculture Workers Support Program: Recognizing Women's Contributions

Empowering Women, Strengthening Agriculture: This program acknowledges the vital role women play in Sindh's agricultural sector. It aims to provide them with much-needed social protection through a Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) program.

Eligibility and Support: Women agricultural workers who register with the Labor Department and prioritize their health by attending prenatal and postnatal check-ups will be entitled to receive CCT benefits. The program seeks to empower women while ensuring their well-being.

Feasibility Study Underway: To determine the optimal structure and implementation strategy for the Benazir Women Agriculture Workers Support program, the Social Protection department has initiated a Rs 30 million feasibility study. The selection of qualified firms to conduct this study is underway through a transparent bidding process.

Enhancing Sindh's Social Safety Net.

The Sindh Social Protection Board meeting also assessed the progress of the "Strengthening of the Sindh Social Protection Service Delivery System" program. Funded by the World Bank at $28.15 million, this initiative focuses on improving the lives of mothers and children in 15 rural districts with the highest Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI).

The program offers Rs 30,000 in cash assistance spread over 1000 days to 1.3 million beneficiaries. Additionally, 772 healthcare facilities have been integrated into the program to provide essential medical services to enrolled mothers and children. As of today, Rs 313.2 million have been disbursed to 152,349 registered beneficiaries, highlighting the program's significant impact.

The Sindh government's commitment to social welfare through these programs is a laudable step towards building a more inclusive and prosperous Sindh. The successful execution of these initiatives has the potential to transform the lives of countless marginalized individuals and families, fostering a brighter future for the province.