National Commission for Human Development (NCHD) in post 18th Amendment Scenario

NCHD in post 18th Amendment Scenario

16,000 of NCHD’s employees are at the risk of losing their jobs by 30^th June. Its employees from across Pakistan are demonstrating protests infront of the Parliament House and have given ‘dharna’ for past many days.

National Commission for Human Development was established in the 2003 in follow up to the recommendations of the Task Force on Human Development. The objective of NCHD was to support the efforts of GoP to achieve the Millennium Development Goals which Pakistan has committed to the international community. Initially NCHD established its Human Development Support Units (HDSUs) in 14 districts of Pakistan. Based on its innovative and successful approach, it was eventually expanded to in three phases to 140 districts, covering entire Pakistan.

Its model was focused on increasing and deepening access to education and health facilities and empowering women. The model of feeder schools in far flung areas with strong community ownership is very cost effective with strong community ownership, and has promoted swift achievement of Universal Primary Education (UPE) targets. Adult literacy centers across Pakistan, with their strong and modern curriculum, benefited a significant number of illiterate people. NCHD’s unique program of School Health Program, in partnership with UNESCO, was a great success and is being massively replicated. Integrated Healthcare Model Program in 12 districts of Punjab was a an immense success in provision and strengthening of critical health services. NCHD’s Community Technology Learning Centers (CTLCs) for women in rural areas of 16 districts successfully empowered the graduated women through imparting ICT and employability skills, and contributing to gender equity. The highlight of CTLC project is NCHD’s partnership with Microsoft Corp for highest quality curriculum specifically designed and translated to better serve rural women.

NCHD’s robust model and deep penetration was greatly effective in progress towards achieving many of the MDGs. This is evident from the international and national acclaim that NCHD received. NCHD was even awarded the 2006 Literacy Award by UNESCO.

In 2008, funding to this organization was curtailed, operations halted, and eventually overwhelming number of its employees lost their jobs. In 2009, a 3-year PC-I was approved by the PC. 2-years down the road, the 18^th Amendment again hits the organization. It is maintained that with devolution process, NCHD’s subject areas are no more on federal list, while not all provinces are willing to take NCHD in their fold. Consequently, 16,000 households face catastrophic results. The ongoing protests and continued dharna for many days aim for redressal to this situation. This last Wednesday these protests turned violent, and shelling, beatings and arrests were enforced by the police.

The point to emphasize here is that the enormous numbers of resources and efforts have been made to build such a widespread and in-depth structure. Staff trainings, development of detailed SoPs, crucial partnerships, and other systems take a great deal of efforts and time, and now face complete and abrupt closure, rendering thousands unemployed. With effective restructuring, these systems can be utilized for a greater common good. Learning and resources of NCHD should not simply be let wasted so ruthlessly. Also, while 18^th Amendment is duly respected, a clear process is necessary to     smooth out the transition.