Art Appraisal Blog

Colombia's Ingreso Solidario COVID-19 cash transfer program increased eligible households’ probability of maintaining an income source during the pandemic and did not disincentivize labor market participation.

Integrating information for the purpose of articulating social protection policies is hard work. It requires a combination of political will, capacity for institutional cooperation, software development and direct communication channels with citizens. Because of this complexity, countries that pursue this objective often cooperate to exchange knowledge, and the Brazilian Single Registry (Cadastro Único), the backbone of some 20 social protection programmes, is frequently cited as a successful example of integration....

The COVID-19 lockdown provides a test of whether these investments in digital infrastructure would pay off and help the government deliver relief quickly, efficiently and equitably.

The COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated that countries which have disability identification mechanisms and registries already in place have been in a better position to provide fast relief and expand shock responsive support to persons with disabilities and their families.

How countries can create digital information systems for social protection in a way that is inclusive and right-based, leveraging technology without becoming a further barrier to inclusion?

This technical brief explains how Namibia was able to successfully execute its emergency program with remarkable efficiency, distributing a one-time benefit to 747,000 screened applicants, requiring only 72 hours to process each application. The case highlights the value of having invested in an integrated digital National Population Register, housing the Civil Registry and the ID Production System with a very high coverage, and linking it with other government electronic databases.

Despite efforts from governments across the globe, the poor lack awareness of social protection and welfare delivery programs. This blog explores the intricacies of government communication using case studies. It also discusses mastering the elements of planning, research, content, and outreach channels to develop an ideal communication strategy.

Nations worldwide have responded to COVID-19 through 1,100 social protection programs to help 1.8 billion-plus people. Yet recipients are largely in the dark about the programs and do not know how to access funds. This blog examines the importance of better communication around social protection programs, particularly for the vulnerable population.

The blog highlights the road ahead for the Indian government’s new program—One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC). The objective of the program is to build upon the digitization of the Public Distribution System (PDS) for foodgrains with a focus on beneficiary-centric reforms.

This report on awareness, communication, and outreach highlights the need for the integration of key communication components for effective implementation of social protection programs.