BISP Beneficiaries receive 9,000
Islamabad: Today, Shazia Marri, the Federal Minister for Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety, announced that the recipients of the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) will begin receiving the enhanced sum of Rs9,000 starting from Monday. This increase in financial assistance aims to provide greater support to those benefiting from the program, ensuring their improved well-being and socio-economic stability.
In an official statement, the Federal Minister, who holds the dual role of serving as the chairperson of the program, emphasized that the government has implemented a significant 25% increment in the support amount. Consequently, the revised sum of Rs9,000 per family will be disbursed throughout the fourth quarter of the current fiscal year. This proactive measure is aimed at enhancing the assistance provided to beneficiaries, reflecting the government’s commitment to ensuring their financial well-being and upliftment.
She further informed that the increased amount will reach a significant number of 9 million BISP Beneficiaries. To ensure convenience and accessibility for the recipients, the stipends will be disbursed from 1,559 specially designated campsites established across the country. These dedicated campsites have been set up with the sole purpose of facilitating the people and streamlining the distribution process. This strategic initiative aims to efficiently deliver the stipends to the deserving individuals, maximizing the impact and reach of the program.
Shazia emphasized the importance for all beneficiaries to receive the entirety of the allocated amount designated for them. Furthermore, she urged them to actively claim the receipt of the stipend. It is crucial for individuals to ensure that they avail themselves of this financial support fully and acknowledge its receipt, thus enabling them to fully benefit from the program’s intended assistance and contribute to their own socio-economic well-being.
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Additionally, she announced that the disbursement of funds for the educational scholarships’ January to March installment has also been initiated. In an effort to further support education, she highlighted that mothers of children with an attendance rate exceeding 70 percent are eligible to claim this particular stipend. This provision aims to recognize and reward the dedication and commitment of both students and their mothers towards ensuring regular school attendance, ultimately fostering a conducive learning environment and promoting educational growth.
The Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) stands as a prominent initiative of the government, playing a pivotal role in executing diverse schemes aimed at uplifting the marginalized sections of society. Serving as a flagship program, BISP is committed to the well-being and welfare of the underprivileged, ensuring their access to essential resources, opportunities, and support systems. Through its multifaceted efforts, BISP strives to address the socio-economic challenges faced by these vulnerable segments, with the ultimate goal of fostering inclusive growth and improving the overall quality of life for all.
In a recent development, the federal government has taken a significant step towards reinforcing the program’s impact by augmenting its budget. The allocation for the programme has been amplified by 25%, reaching a substantial amount of Rs450 billion, as compared to the previous year’s allocation of Rs360 billion. This substantial increase underscores the government’s unwavering commitment to uplifting the socio-economic conditions of the deserving individuals benefiting from the program. By allocating these additional resources, the government aims to further enhance the effectiveness and scope of the program, ensuring a wider reach and greater support for the marginalized sections of society.
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In the preceding fiscal year, the government had already demonstrated its commitment to the program’s expansion by augmenting the allocated budget to Rs400 billion, signifying a notable increase of 12.5 percent. This proactive measure underscored the government’s dedication to bolstering the program’s impact and extending its reach to a larger segment of the population.
Moving forward into the fiscal year 2023-24, the program envisions providing quarterly assistance to an estimated 9.3 million families. Furthermore, the scope of the Benazir Education Stipends has been significantly broadened. It now caters to a larger demographic, encompassing 8.3 million children, with a notable allocation of Rs55 billion. This expansion aims to ensure greater access to educational opportunities for children, with a particular focus on promoting gender equality by accommodating 52 percent girls among the beneficiaries.
These strategic steps taken by the government reflect its unwavering commitment to addressing socio-economic disparities and uplifting the lives of marginalized communities through comprehensive support and improved access to education.
With the help of Rs. 6 billion, up to 92,000 students will receive Benazir Undergraduate Scholarships, and with the help of Rs. 32 billion, the number of beneficiaries of the Benazir Nashonuma programme will rise to 1.5 million.
For the purpose of giving worthy people targeted subsidies on rice, sugar, lentils, and ghee, a total of Rs35 billion has been set aside.
Additionally, the government eliminated a 10% regulatory fee on the import of used clothing, which is typically purchased by persons with modest incomes.
Beginning on July 1, 2023, a new microdeposit programme for low-income groups through the National Savings Centres (NSC) with a higher profit ratio will be launched. The ability for users to create digital accounts will also be provided.