The federal government has made a strategic decision to significantly expand the Benazir Income Support Program (BISP), with a target to increase the number of beneficiaries to 10 million, according to sources close to the development. Currently, the program supports approximately 9.3 million cardholders, but with the new expansion plans, this figure is set to rise to 10 million, marking a substantial growth in its outreach.
Dynamic Survey to Identify New Beneficiaries
To achieve this ambitious target, the government has initiated a dynamic survey across various districts in all four provinces. This survey aims to identify and include more eligible individuals who are in need of financial assistance. The government is prioritizing remote and underserved areas, particularly in Balochistan and Sindh, where special efforts are being made to ensure that the most vulnerable populations are not left behind.
As part of the initiative, mobile registration vehicles have been deployed to these remote regions, enabling on-the-ground registration of deserving women and families. These mobile units are playing a crucial role in reaching out to communities that have previously been difficult to access, ensuring that more people can benefit from the BISP’s financial support.
Focus on Balochistan and Remote Areas
The expansion of BISP is particularly focused on Balochistan, a province that has often been marginalized in terms of access to government welfare programs. The dynamic survey in Balochistan is being conducted with extra attention to ensure that the unique challenges faced by the region’s population are addressed. The government is also establishing new offices in remote areas to facilitate the registration process, furthering its commitment to inclusivity.
Increased Budget Allocations
In line with this expansion, the federal government has also increased the budgetary allocations for BISP. In the most recent budget, presented by Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Muhammad Aurangzeb, the allocation for BISP was raised to Rs. 593 billion. This represents a 29% increase compared to the previous year’s budget, underscoring the government’s commitment to expanding its social safety nets and providing more comprehensive support to vulnerable communities across Pakistan.
Enhanced Support Through Benazir Kafaalat Scheme
In addition to expanding the number of beneficiaries, the government has also increased the scope of the Benazir Kafaalat scheme, which provides quarterly stipends to the most disadvantaged families. With the new budget, the number of beneficiaries under this scheme will rise to 10 million, further ensuring that more families receive the financial support they need to manage their basic needs.
A Step Toward Greater Social Equity
This expansion of BISP is part of a broader strategy by the government to strengthen social safety nets and reduce poverty across the country. By increasing the reach of BISP and prioritizing the inclusion of those in the most remote and marginalized areas, the government is taking concrete steps to enhance social equity and provide a lifeline to those who need it most.
As the dynamic survey continues and new beneficiaries are added, the government hopes to create a more inclusive and equitable society where the benefits of economic growth and development are shared by all segments of the population.
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