Sindh Government Launches Food Security and Women Support Programmes

The Sindh government has announced the launch of a food security programme and the Benazir Women Agriculture Workers Support Programme to assist marginalized populations in the province. Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah chaired the meeting of the Sindh Social Protection Board where feasibility studies for these initiatives were approved. The aim is to reduce vulnerability to hunger among marginalized groups and provide social protection to women in the agriculture sector.

Under the Benazir Women Agriculture Workers Support Programme, women in agriculture will receive financial aid through a Conditional Cash Transfer program after registering with the labor department and undergoing medical check-ups during and after pregnancy. The Social Protection Strategy Unit will conduct a feasibility study to determine the implementation of the programme, with an allocated budget of Rs30 million.

The Bhook Mitao food security programme will focus on identifying vulnerable groups and implementing strategies to address food security issues. The board members also discussed the Mother and Child Support Programme, which aims to provide cash support to pregnant women and mothers of young children for 1,000 days. The initiative, supported by the World Bank, targets rural districts with high levels of poverty.

Overall, these programmes highlight the government's commitment to improving social protection and food security for vulnerable populations in Sindh, demonstrating a proactive approach towards addressing critical issues affecting marginalized communities.