Last Updated on: 26th July 2024, 12:50 am
Electricity prices in Pakistan have reached unprecedented levels, increasing pressure on households receiving inflated electricity bills due to aggressive taxes and tax reforms.
In response to these rising electricity bills, the federal government is developing a subsidy plan to support millions of low-income electricity consumers through the Benazir Income Support Program (BISP).
BISP, in collaboration with the Pakistani govt, to provide a new electricity subsidy
According to sources, this proposal will soon be submitted to the federal cabinet for approval. The Electricity Department, in collaboration with BISP, has proposed a new electricity subsidy program that aims to provide targeted support to underprivileged households across Pakistan, moving away from general and non-targeted subsidies.
Under this initiative, the Benazir Income Support Program will identify and select eligible families.
Eligibility Criteria for the New Electricity Subsidy
In collaboration with the Electricity Department, the BISP will determine the eligibility criteria for receiving subsidies. The Electricity Department will also determine the number of subsidies available.
Families will be registered in the BISP database. The Power Department will coordinate with the Central Bank to involve financial institutions and banks in the implementation and processing of subsidy payments, including managing bill collection through Pakistan Post, commercial banks, and mobile banking services.
Also Read: Press Release of Benazir Income Support Program Latest Update 2024
Using NSER Survey Database
To ensure adequate safeguards, the Power Department will conduct a risk assessment of the subsidy scheme. BISP will leverage the National Socio-Economic Registry (NSER) database to identify potential beneficiaries and share this information with the Power Department. APIs will facilitate data integration at the system level.
The National Socio-Economic Registry (NSER) database will promote registration through 647 Dynamic Registration Centers (DRCs) set up in every tehsil across the country.
Once the process is completed, eligible individuals will receive an SMS notification of their inclusion in the subsidy scheme.