In a significant development towards empowering women and enhancing social protection measures, the 60th Board of the Benazir Income Support Programme met under the chair of Ms. Shazia Marri, Federal Minister and Chairperson BISP, at its Headquarters, here on Wednesday.
Mr. Amer Ali Ahmad Secretary BISP, Mr. Yusuf Khan Secretary PA&SS, Addl. Secretaries of Finance and Economic Affair Division (EAD) as well as private members Dr Kaiser Bengali, Dr Abid Qaiyum Suleri, Barrister Ayesha T. Haq, Mr. Haris Gazdar and Dr. Amjad Saqib, attended the Board meeting.
The BISP Board approved record Rs. 471 billion budget for FY-2023-24 which included Rs. 361.5 billion for Benazir Kafaalat Programme, covering 9.3 million families, Rs. 32.27 billion for Benazir Nashonuma Programme covering 1.5 million individuals, Rs. 55.4 billion for Benazir Taleemi Wazaif which would benefit 9.2 million children. In addition, 6 Billion have been earmarked for Benazir Scholarships for Undergraduates.
The Board was further briefed that only 1.20% of the total budget is for employees including administrative expenses while rest of the budget is programme based. Wrapping-up the 2022-23 revised estimates it was highlighted that 99.98% of the budget for the Programme has been utilized.
The board was also apprised of the performance of last one year, whereby, the number of Benazir Kafaalat beneficiaries was increased from 7.6 to 9 million along with increase in cash stipend from Rs 7000 to Rs 8750 per quarter per family. The Board was briefed that the beneficiaries of Benazir Nashonuma Programme were increased from 0.2 to 0.77m and beneficiaries of Taleemi Wazaif were increased from 2.6 to 7.52m.
