The Federal Government has unveiled a significant 27% increase in the allocation for the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) for the upcoming fiscal year 2024-25. This increase raises the budget from Rs 450 billion to Rs 593 billion, as announced during the budget speech presented by the Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue in the National Assembly.
Promoting Education through Benazir Taleemi Wazaif
The Benazir Taleemi Wazaif programme will see the registration of an additional 1 million children from underprivileged families. This conditional cash transfer programme is aimed at promoting education, ensuring that more children have access to schooling and the opportunities that come with it.
| Programme | Additional Registrations (2024-25) |
|---|---|
| Benazir Taleemi Wazaif | 1 million children |
Cornerstone of Social Welfare
BISP has been a pivotal element of Pakistan’s social welfare framework, providing cash assistance to millions of families. The finance minister emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting the vulnerable segments of society, ensuring continued financial aid through BISP. The announced 27% hike underscores the government’s focus on expanding social safety nets.
| Fiscal Year | BISP Budget (Rs Billion) | Increase (%) |
|---|---|---|
| 2023-24 | 450 | 12.5 |
| 2024-25 | 593 | 27 |
New Programmes to Foster Economic Inclusion
In a move to enhance economic inclusion and improve the financial status of citizens, the government is set to launch a new poverty graduation and skills development programme under the BISP banner. This initiative aims to equip individuals with skills for better employment opportunities, promoting self-sufficiency and financial independence.
Hybrid Social Protection Programme
Additionally, the government plans to introduce a hybrid social protection programme. This initiative is designed to offer a blend of financial support and empowerment activities, helping beneficiaries achieve greater self-reliance and reducing long-term dependence on cash assistance.
Expanding the Kafalat Programme
Under the Kafalat programme, the number of beneficiaries is expected to rise from 9.3 million to 10 million. This expansion will help shield more families from the adverse effects of inflation by increasing the cash assistance provided.
| Programme | Beneficiaries (2023-24) | Beneficiaries (2024-25) |
|---|---|---|
| Kafalat | 9.3 million | 10 million |
Nutritional Support via Benazir Nashonuma
The government will also extend the Benazir Nashonuma programme, including 500,000 more families. This programme is critical in providing nutritional support to mothers and children, combating stunting, and ensuring healthy development during the crucial first 1,000 days of a child’s life.
| Programme | Additional Families (2024-25) |
|---|---|
| Benazir Nashonuma | 500,000 families |
Previous Budget Increase
It’s worth noting that the previous fiscal year’s budget for 2023-24 saw a 12.5% increase in BISP allocation, raising it from Rs 400 billion to Rs 450 billion. The continued increases reflect the government’s ongoing commitment to social welfare and poverty alleviation.
| Fiscal Year | BISP Budget (Rs Billion) | Increase (%) |
|---|---|---|
| 2022-23 | 400 | – |
| 2023-24 | 450 | 12.5 |
| 2024-25 | 593 | 27 |
Conclusion
The substantial boost in BISP’s budget for 2024-25 underscores the government’s dedication to enhancing social welfare programmes. By expanding existing initiatives and introducing new ones, the government aims to provide robust support to the most vulnerable segments of society, fostering economic inclusion and financial stability. This strategic allocation is a step towards a more equitable and prosperous Pakistan, where every citizen has the opportunity to thrive.
Nauman is an education policy analyst associated with BISP as senior program consultant for the Benazir Taleemi Wazaif conditional cash transfer initiative. He heads portfolio management for the program including planning, budgeting and performance monitoring. Nauman has over 10 years experience in the social impact space. He completed his MPhil in Economics from Government College University Lahore, focusing his research on financial inclusion for literacy and skills development.
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