The Azad Government of the State of Jammu & Kashmir (AJ&K) is committed towards building a safety net for its vulnerable populations, ensuring that the most at-risk individuals receive the necessary support to improve their quality of life, therefore, launched a comprehensive Social Protection Program aimed at uplifting vulnerable segments of the population. This initiative builds on a series of legislative efforts and policies designed to provide sustainable support to those in need. The foundation of program was laid down in 2012 when the AJ&K Subsistence Allowance Act for widows and orphans was approved. However, in its quest to broaden the scope and enhance the impact of social protection, the government firstly introduced some amendments in AJ&K Subsistence Allowance Act and later on replaced it with the Social Protection for Vulnerable Population Act of 2023. Moreover, the AJ&K Social Protection Policy was approved in 2022, reflecting the government’s commitment to a robust and modern approach to social welfare.
The administrative framework supporting this program is anchored by the AJ&K Social Protection Board, which operates under the leadership of the Prime Minister of Azad Jammu & Kashmir. To finance this initiative, a Social Protection Trust Fund was established on April 2, 2024, with an initial allocation of 9 billion PKR. This fund, critical to the program’s operation, saw its first transfer in May 2024, securing the financial backbone needed for the program’s activities. To further strengthen this fund, an additional amount of 1 billion PKR was provided from the Zakat Profit Fund in August 2024.
The program focuses on identifying and supporting the most vulnerable groups in society. These include widows, orphans, people with disabilities, divorced women, transgender individuals, and elderly persons aged 65 and above. Recognizing the importance of data in driving effective social protection measures, the AJ&K government also established a partnership with the Benazir Income Support Program’s National Socio-Economic Registry (BISP-NSER), to ensure that the assistance reaches those who need it most based on accurate socio-economic data.
This Social Protection Program represents a significant stride by the AJ&K government towards building a safety net for its vulnerable populations, ensuring that the most at-risk individuals receive the necessary support to improve their quality of life.