Last Updated on: 3rd October 2024, 08:56 pm
Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Sindh president Nisar Ahmed Khuhro has called for the expansion of the Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) to help more needy families. On Monday, he stated that nearly half of Sindh’s population is struggling with poverty, and that expanding the scope would provide essential support.
Khuhro further stated that increasing BISP scope would not only help more people, but would also reduce poverty in the province, particularly benefiting women and children through initiatives like the Benazir Kafaalat and Taleemi Wazaif programs.
PPP Calls For Expansion Of BISP Scope in Sindh
At a press conference on Monday, Khuhro announced plans to increase the number of BISP beneficiaries in Sindh. According to him, survey results suggest that 50% of Sindh’s population is living below the poverty line, a worrying situation that could impact the country’s economy.
To help those facing these challenges, Khuhro requested more eligible families to enroll in the program so that they can receive financial assistance through BISP.
BISP is already disbursing assistance to 2.4 million eligible households
During a briefing with BISP officials, Khuhro, who also heads the Provincial Assembly’s Public Accounts Committee, discussed the current status of this government initiative. Out of the estimated 9.5 million households in Sindh, the report revealed that 2.4 million families have registered as BISP beneficiaries. Each beneficiary family currently receives Rs 10,500 every three months.
Importance of Rs 10500 Quarterly Payments for Deserving Families
Khuhro stated that these quarterly payments are important for struggling families, especially when employment opportunities are limited, such as during times when new hiring is frozen due to legal or policy reasons.
He explained that families earning less than Rs 29,000 per month could apply to become BISP beneficiaries. To better serve these people, Khuhro requested officials increase the number of BISP centers across Sindh.
BISP and STEVTA Partner for Vocational Training of 6,000 Beneficiaries
Khuhro also shared details of a new agreement between BISP and Sindh Technical Education and Vocational Training Authority (STEVTA). The aim of this partnership is to provide vocational training to 6,000 students with the support of the Asian Development Bank, benefiting 36% of BISP female beneficiaries.
Benazir Nashonuma Program Is Supporting 750,000 Women And Children
Currently, 750,000 women and children are involved in the Benazir Nashonuma Program. At the Tehsil level, there are 138 BISP offices. The program also expects the establishment of one-window service centers to facilitate access for beneficiaries.
To strengthen poverty alleviation efforts, Khuhro announced that families removed from the BISP database during the previous government’s tenure would be reinstated after the new survey.
Benazir Kafaalat New Payment Of Rs 13,500 Starting From 2025
President Asif Ali Zardari and the Pakistani government have asked BISP to increase its quarterly payments by 27%, allowing eligible women to receive Rs 13,500 starting in January 2025. The increase is due to the program’s higher budget allocation. Beneficiaries can easily get these payments through biometric verification at any approved ATM.
Last Words
The BISP expansion in Sindh will reduce poverty throughout the province. With 2.4 million households already benefiting, the program’s expanded scope will extend this essential financial support to even more families. Vocational training partnerships and increased Kafaalat payments once again demonstrate our commitment to improving the lives of poor women and children in Sindh.