Ehsaas Rehri Baan Program: A Lifeline for Street Vendors and Small Businesses in Pakistan
The Ehsaas Rehri Baan Program has been launched by the Government of Pakistan to provide financial relief and support to street vendors, small shopkeepers, and low-income business owners who are struggling due to the economic conditions in the country. With rising inflation and increased financial pressure, many small-scale business owners have faced difficulties in maintaining their livelihoods. This program aims to help these individuals regain their footing and provide a better future for their families.
What is the Ehsaas Rehri Baan Program?
The Ehsaas Rehri Baan Program is an initiative designed to support street vendors who depend on cart-based businesses. Launched in 2025, the program focuses on improving the working conditions of these vendors and helping them integrate into the formal economy. It is primarily targeted at individuals who have lost their sources of income due to inflation and the economic downturn.
The main objective of this program is to improve the working conditions for street vendors by providing them with financial assistance. The funding can be used for enhancing the safety and quality of their carts, including the installation of better roofs, fenders, lights, and more. By improving these conditions, the program hopes to help vendors earn more income and ensure a safer working environment.
In Pakistan, there are approximately 8-12 million street vendors, but the country lacks a structured plan to manage and support this vital sector. The Ehsaas Rehri Baan Program seeks to fill this gap and provide long-term support.
Ehsaas Rehri Baan Program in Punjab
Initially, the program was introduced in the G-10 and G-11 sectors of Islamabad, the capital city of Pakistan. However, the government has expressed intentions to expand this initiative to other provinces, ensuring that more people can benefit from the scheme. By doing so, the program aims to reach a larger audience and help a greater number of vendors and small business owners across Pakistan.
How to Register for the Ehsaas Rehri Baan Program?
The government has created an easy-to-use online registration portal for vendors and small business owners interested in joining the program. This platform allows individuals to submit their applications, receive important information, and track the status of their applications. Once registered, eligible applicants can receive financial assistance to help improve their businesses.
The program is a significant opportunity for rehri (cart) owners, hawkers, and street vendors who need support to sustain and grow their small businesses. It provides financial relief and helps improve their livelihoods, ultimately contributing to a more stable and prosperous economy.
Eligibility Criteria for the Ehsaas Rehri Baan Program
To be eligible for the Ehsaas Rehri Baan Program, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Pakistani Citizenship: The applicant must be a citizen of Pakistan.
- Poverty Score: The applicant should have a poverty score that meets the program’s requirements.
- Small Business: The applicant must own a small-scale business, such as a street vendor or a shop.
- Financial Need: The individual must need financial assistance to improve or sustain their business operations.
- Business Ownership: Applicants must be able to demonstrate ownership or active involvement in a market or business.
Recent Developments in the Ehsaas Rehri Baan Program
During the tenure of former Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the Ehsaas Rehri Baan Program faced some challenges, including discontinuation. However, former Prime Minister Imran Khan emphasized the importance of supporting Pakistan’s underprivileged people and voiced his concern over the halting of the program. His government took immediate steps to restore the initiative, with the intention of making it a long-term success.
In a tweet, Imran Khan highlighted the struggles faced by small business owners, particularly after a shopkeeper’s cart was damaged. He expressed his commitment to repairing such damages and ensuring that the program runs more effectively under the leadership of Sania Nishtar, who took charge of the initiative.
Training and Support for Vendors
As part of the Ehsaas Rehri Baan Program, the government organized training sessions to help vendors improve their business skills. These training programs covered topics such as marketing strategies, business management, and financial literacy. By equipping street vendors with essential skills, the program aims to ensure that they can not only survive but thrive in the competitive marketplace.
Ehsaas Rehri Baan Program: A Relief for Small Vendors
The Ehsaas Rehri Baan Program is a lifeline for small vendors and business owners who often go unnoticed in society. These vendors play an important role in the local economy, yet they often lack access to the resources and support they need to grow. This program aims to change that by providing financial aid and training, ultimately improving the quality of life for vendors and their families.
Conclusion
The Ehsaas Rehri Baan Program is a vital initiative that has been launched by the Government of Pakistan to support low-income street vendors and small business owners. Through this program, the government aims to provide financial assistance, improve working conditions, and help vendors grow their businesses. If you are a small business owner struggling due to financial constraints, the Ehsaas Rehri Baan Program could be the support you need.
By following the registration process and meeting the eligibility criteria, vendors and shopkeepers across Pakistan can access the assistance they need to improve their livelihoods. This program not only offers a way to improve businesses but also contributes to the larger goal of poverty reduction and economic development in Pakistan.