Social Safety Net Programmes As A Social Protection Shield For Persons With Disabilities: A Qualitative Study In Pakistan

Abstract

This study is designed to explore the detailed information regarding social safety net programmes and social protection of the disabled persons. There are multiple types of social safety nets interventions. In Pakistan, private safety nets in the form of informal or community based intervention and formal social safety nets designed and implemented by the government help in mitigating adverse outcomes. The goal of social safety net programmes (SSNPs) is to safeguard vulnerable persons from the economic and social consequences of a large drop in family income. In contrast to savings or financial institution accounts, SSNPs are primarily intended to serve as a redistributive instrument, distributing money to the poorest segments of society in order to lift them out of poverty, as well as to give individuals greater opportunities to reduce their risk of incurring catastrophic financial loss. Present study is conducted in the Pakistan. Qualitative information gathered through focus group discussions. For this purpose six focus group discussions was conducted with the persons with disabilities, their families and official from social safety net programme. The collected information was analyzed by using thematic analysis technique. Findings reveals that social safety nets programme provide social protection and assistance to the persons with disability.