The federal government has taken significant steps to uplift disadvantaged communities by increasing the budget for the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) to Rs. 593 billion, marking a substantial 29% rise from the previous year’s allocation.
Under the leadership of Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, the expansion of the Benazir Kafaalat scheme will see the number of beneficiaries grow from 9.3 million to 10 million, with adjustments made to stipends to account for inflation. This move aims to ensure that more families receive the necessary financial support to meet their needs.
In addition, the Benazir Education Stipend scheme will now reach 10.4 million children, facilitating their continued education and retention in schools. To address the issue of stunted growth in children, an extra 500,000 families will benefit from the Benazir Nashonuma Programme.
Beyond these immediate measures, BISP is launching new initiatives to foster economic inclusion and self-sufficiency among marginalized groups. These initiatives include the Poverty Graduation programme, designed to assist families in transitioning out of poverty, the Skill Development programme offering vocational training, and the Hybrid Social Protection programme, which combines financial aid with opportunities for economic empowerment.
These multifaceted endeavors underscore the government’s unwavering commitment to poverty alleviation and support for vulnerable populations. By ensuring access to resources and opportunities, these efforts aim to enhance the quality of life for all citizens, fostering a more equitable and prosperous society.