Shazia Marri, the Federal Minister for Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety, announced on Sunday that the beneficiaries of the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) would begin receiving an increased amount of Rs9,000 starting from Monday (today).
In a statement, Shazia Marri, who is also the chairperson of the programme, stated that the government has raised the support amount by 25 percent, bringing it to Rs9,000 per family for the fourth quarter of the current fiscal year.
She mentioned that the amount would be disbursed to 9 million beneficiaries, and for their convenience, these stipends would be issued from 1,559 specifically established campsites.
Shazia emphasized that it is important for the beneficiaries to receive the full allocated amount and also ensure that they claim its receipt.
Furthermore, she informed that the government has also released the funds for the educational scholarships from January to March. Mothers of children with over 70 percent attendance can avail this stipend.
The BISP is a prominent government program that implements various initiatives for the welfare of underprivileged sections of society.
Earlier this month, the federal government increased the program’s budget by 25 percent to Rs450 billion compared to the previous year’s allocation of Rs360 billion.
During the upcoming fiscal year 2023-24, 9.3 million families will receive quarterly assistance. The Benazir Education Stipends will also be extended to 8.3 million children (including 52 percent girls) with an allocation of Rs55 billion.
Additionally, 92,000 students will be awarded Benazir Undergraduate Scholarships worth Rs6 billion, and the number of beneficiaries under the Benazir Nashonuma program will increase to 1.5 million with a budget of Rs32 billion.
A total of Rs35 billion has been allocated for providing targeted subsidies to deserving individuals for rice, sugar, pulses, and ghee.
The government has also abolished the 10 percent regulatory duty on the import of second-hand clothes, which are often purchased by low-income individuals.
Furthermore, a new micro deposits scheme will be launched on July 1, 2023, catering to low-income groups through the National Savings Centres (NSC) with a higher profit ratio. Digital account opening facilities will also be available for users.
