Visits STEVTA and Nashonuma Centers Karachi
The Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) Chairperson, Senator Rubina Khalid, made significant statements on October 17, 2024, regarding the program’s assistance for low-income households. When she visited the Sindh Technical Education and Vocational Training Authority (STEVTA) Staff College in Karachi, she revealed that the Benazir Kafalat program’s quarterly stipend will rise to 13,500 rupees beginning in the following year. The goal of this increase is to better assist more families in improving their living conditions and cost management. Senator Rubina Khalid highlighted how the initiative helps millions of Pakistani families and empowers women.
Visit to STEVTA Staff College Karachi
Senator Rubina Khalid toured the various departments and continuing training sessions at the STEVTA Staff College in New Karachi. During their meeting, Zarqa Saeed, the Director of the Staff College, provided her with an overview of the organization’s initiatives and skill development programs. Senator Rubina emphasised the value of vocational training for BISP beneficiaries’ children during her visit. Giving these kids technical skills, in her opinion, will enable them to become independent and further the growth of the nation. The visit demonstrated BISP’s dedication to guaranteeing recipients have access to chances for education and skill development in addition to its financial support.
Expansion of BISP Beneficiaries
By 2025, there will be 10 million households receiving benefits from the BISP, up from the current 9.3 million, according to Senator Rubina Khalid’s announcement. The program’s aim to assist more families that fall below the poverty line includes this expansion. Shaheed Benazir Bhutto initially intended for BISP to offer financial support to people in need, particularly women. More families will get the assistance they require to improve their lives as a result of the rise in beneficiaries. BISP registration is still open, and new women are joining the program on a daily basis. This expansion is a result of BISP’s ability to recognise and support poor households all over Pakistan.
Focus on Child Stunting and Health
As she visited the Benazir Nashonuma Centre at Pir Ilahi Bux Colony, Senator Rubina Khalid emphasised how critical it is to treat stunting in children. BISP is aggressively attempting to address stunting, a serious issue that impairs children’s growth and development. To promote their health, moms and children can get food supplements and cash transfers under the Benazir Nashonuma program. Senator Rubina clarified that stunting can have irreparable repercussions if it is not treated within two years. Through promoting mothers’ and children’s health and nutrition, BISP seeks to improve health outcomes and avert long-term developmental problems.
Increase in Cash Transfers and Transparency
Beginning in 2025, the cash distribution under the BISP will be increased from 10,500 to 13,500 rupees, as revealed by Senator Rubina Khalid. In order to give recipients extra assistance, the Taleemi Wazaif, or educational allowances, will also be altered. BISP is collaborating with the State Bank of Pakistan to remove human participation from the cash transfer process in order to guarantee transparency in the allocation of funds. As a result, beneficiaries will receive their payments straight into their bank accounts, lowering the possibility of corruption and guaranteeing that the appropriate parties receive the funds. In order to preserve security and openness during payment disbursements, Senator Rubina also demanded that more female police officers be assigned.
Commitment to Security and Collaboration
During her discussion with Zia-ul-Hasan Lanjar, the Sindh Home and Law Minister, Senator Rubina Khalid stressed the importance of providing BISP beneficiaries with sufficient protection. She expressed her gratitude to the Sindh government for the security measures put in place for the quarterly installment payments. Senator Rubina emphasised that payments for more than 2.5 million worthy women in Sindh have to be made in a transparent and safe manner. She also stressed the need of the BISP and the police working together to prosecute anyone responsible for fraudulent payments or phoney surveys. The Home Minister promised that the Sindh government will fully support BISP’s efforts to uphold the program’s integrity.
Conclusion
The recent actions and declarations made by Senator Rubina Khalid demonstrate the program’s continued dedication to empowering and assisting millions of Pakistani families. BISP intends to give more significant financial aid to individuals in need by raising the quarterly instalment to 13,500 rupees and increasing the number of beneficiaries to 10 million. The Benazir Nashonuma Center’s emphasis on child stunting and health reflects the program’s commitment to enhancing families’ general well-being. Furthermore, initiatives to improve cash transfer security and transparency guarantee that funds are effectively distributed to the appropriate recipients. The leadership of Senator Rubina Khalid and the cooperative efforts with several government ministries demonstrate the significance of BISP in promoting economic stability and women’s empowerment throughout Pakistan.