The Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) Takes Big Steps to Help Poor Families in Pakistan

The Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), a key social welfare initiative in Pakistan, has made significant strides in its mission to support underprivileged families. In a recent meeting held in Islamabad on August 2, 2023, the BISP Board, led by Federal Minister Shazia Marri, approved a record-breaking budget of 471 billion Pakistani rupees for the fiscal year 2023-24.

This landmark decision aims to expand various programs under BISP, including Benazir Kafaalat, Benazir Nashonuma, and Benazir Taleemi Wazaif. The board meeting, attended by key government officials and private sector experts, focused on enhancing social protection measures, empowering women, and improving the lives of millions of Pakistani citizens through targeted financial assistance and educational support.

What is the BISP?

The Benazir Income Support Programme is a government initiative in Pakistan that helps poor families. It gives money and other support to people who need it most. The program is named after Benazir Bhutto, a former Prime Minister of Pakistan.

Big Budget Approval

The BISP Board approved a very large budget of 471 billion rupees for the year 2023-24. This is the biggest budget ever for BISP. Here’s how they plan to use this money:

1. Benazir Kafaalat Programme: 361.5 billion rupees
   • This will help 9.3 million families
   • Families get money every three months
2. Benazir Nashonuma Programme: 32.27 billion rupees
   • This will help 1.5 million people
   • It focuses on nutrition for mothers and children
3. Benazir Taleemi Wazaif: 55.4 billion rupees
   • This will help 9.2 million children
   • It gives money to families to send their children to school
4. Benazir Scholarships for Undergraduates: 6 billion rupees
   • This helps students go to university

Most Money Goes Directly to People

The BISP Board made sure that almost all the money (98.8%) goes directly to help people. Only a small part (1.20%) is used for running the program and paying employees.

Big Improvements in the Past Year

The BISP has grown a lot in the last year:

• Benazir Kafaalat now helps 9 million families, up from 7.6 million
• The money given to each family increased from 7,000 to 8,750 rupees every three months
• Benazir Nashonuma now helps 0.77 million people, up from 0.2 million
• Benazir Taleemi Wazaif now helps 7.52 million children, up from 2.6 million

New Ways to Help People

The BISP Board approved two important changes:

1. Benazir Social Protection Account:
   • People can now choose their own bank
   • This makes it easier and safer for people to get their money
   • It gives people more control and respect
2. Hybrid Social Safety Net Programme:
   • This is a new idea to help people
   • It will be studied more before it starts

Better Support for BISP Employees

The Board also decided to help BISP employees:

• They will get better salaries
• A new pension plan will help employees save for the future
• The government will add money to employees’ pension savings

Why This Matters

Ms. Shazia Marri, who leads the BISP, said these changes are very important. They show that the government wants to:

• Help poor people live better lives
• Give more power and opportunities to women
• Make sure children can go to school
• Help the country grow by supporting its people

The BISP is doing more than just giving money. It’s trying to make life better for millions of Pakistani families. By helping women, children, and poor families, the BISP hopes to make Pakistan stronger and more equal.

This big budget and these new plans show that Pakistan is serious about helping its poorest people. The BISP is working hard to reach more families, give more support, and find better ways to help. As these programs grow and improve, they could make a big difference in the lives of many Pakistani people, giving them hope for a better future.