On October 17, 2024, Rubina Khalid, the Chairperson of the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), made a significant announcement regarding the financial support provided to beneficiaries. She revealed that the quarterly instalment under the Benazir Kafalat program will be increased to 13,500 rupees starting next year. This decision aims to provide better financial assistance to the families relying on BISP. Rubina Khalid made this announcement during her visit to the Benazir Nashonuma Center located at Sindh Government Hospital PIB Colony in Karachi. Her visit underscored the government’s commitment to improving the lives of women and families in need.
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Visit to Benazir Nashonuma Center
Rubina Khalid’s visit to the Benazir Nashonuma Center was an opportunity for her to engage directly with the beneficiaries of the BISP program. The center, situated in Karachi, serves as a hub for women who receive support from the program. During her visit, Khalid interacted with these women, listening to their concerns and understanding their needs. She expressed her satisfaction with the availability of adequate services at the center, highlighting the effectiveness of the support systems in place. This interaction reinforced the importance of direct engagement between program leaders and beneficiaries to ensure that the assistance provided meets the actual needs of the community.
Increase in Benazir Kafalat Instalment
The most significant announcement made by Rubina Khalid was the increase in the Benazir Kafalat quarterly instalment. Starting next year, the amount will be raised to 13,500 rupees per quarter. This increase is a response to the rising cost of living and aims to provide more substantial financial support to the families enrolled in the program. By enhancing the instalment, BISP hopes to alleviate some of the financial burdens faced by low-income families, allowing them to better meet their daily needs and invest in their children’s future. This change is expected to have a positive impact on the overall welfare of the beneficiaries.
Addressing Child Stunting
During her address to the media, Rubina Khalid emphasized the issue of child stunting, which is a significant concern in Pakistan. Stunting affects the physical and cognitive development of children, leading to long-term negative consequences. To combat this, BISP is implementing measures that provide both cash and nutritional support to families. By ensuring that children receive adequate nutrition, the program aims to reduce the rates of stunting and improve the health and development outcomes for young ones. Khalid highlighted that addressing child stunting is a crucial part of BISP’s mission to enhance the quality of life for vulnerable families.
Growth in BISP Registration
Rubina Khalid provided encouraging statistics regarding the growth of the BISP program. Currently, 9.3 million families are registered with BISP, and this number is expected to reach 10 million by next year. This increase reflects the program’s expanding reach and its ability to support more families in need. The growth in registration indicates a successful effort to identify and assist vulnerable households across the country. By increasing the number of beneficiaries, BISP is able to extend its impact, ensuring that more families receive the financial and nutritional support necessary to improve their living conditions.
Commitment to Adequate Services
Rubina Khalid expressed her satisfaction with the services available to BISP beneficiaries during her visit to the Benazir Nashonuma Center. She acknowledged the efforts made by the program to provide comprehensive support, including financial assistance, healthcare services, and educational opportunities. The availability of these services is crucial for the well-being of the beneficiaries, as it addresses multiple aspects of their lives. By ensuring that adequate services are accessible, BISP demonstrates its commitment to not only providing financial aid but also supporting the overall development and empowerment of the families it serves.
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Conclusion
Rubina Khalid’s announcement of the increased Benazir Kafalat quarterly instalment marks a significant step forward in the efforts of the Benazir Income Support Programme to support vulnerable families in Pakistan. With the planned increase to 13,500 rupees, BISP aims to provide more effective financial assistance, address critical issues like child stunting, and expand its reach to support even more families. Khalid’s active engagement with beneficiaries and her commitment to enhancing services reflect the program’s dedication to improving the lives of those in need. This development promises to bring positive changes and greater stability to the lives of millions of Pakistani families.