The Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) has made significant strides in enhancing educational and nutritional support for underprivileged families in Pakistan. Since its inception, BISP has disbursed Rs 117 billion and enrolled 14.8 million children under the Benazir Taleemi Wazaif initiative.
Financial Disbursement and Enrollment Details
According to the Economic Survey 2023-24, BISP has disbursed Rs 36.9 billion under the Benazir Taleemi Wazaif initiative during the period of July-March FY2024, enrolling 2.2 million children in the process.
Stipend Rates for Students
The stipend rates for students have been increased for FY2024 as follows:
| Education Level | Boy Child (Rs per quarter) | Girl Child (Rs per quarter) |
| Primary | 2000 | 2500 |
| Secondary | 3000 | 3500 |
| Higher Secondary | 4000 | 4500 |
Additionally, a one-time bonus of Rs 3,000 is given to girls upon their graduation from primary education. This increase in stipend aims to support the educational journey of children from low-income families and promote gender equality in education.
Expansion and Objectives of the Programme
To address the issue of school attendance among children from BISP beneficiary households, the government introduced a Co-Responsibility Cash Transfer in October 2012. Initially focusing on primary education, the program has since expanded to include secondary and higher secondary education from July 1, 2021. The initiative aims to achieve universal primary education, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Benazir Nashonuma: Addressing Malnutrition
BISP has also made substantial progress with the Benazir Nashonuma initiative, disbursing Rs 10.83 billion to 1,873,557 beneficiaries until March FY2024. This program focuses on preventing malnutrition in Pregnant and Lactating Women (PLW) and children under two years of age within BISP Kafaalat Program households.
Key Features and Financial Assistance
- Total Disbursement (till March FY2024): Rs 10.83 billion
- Total Beneficiaries: 1,873,557
Stipend Rates for PLW and Children
| Beneficiary Group | Amount (Rs per quarter) |
| Pregnant/Lactating Women (PLW) / Boy Child | 2000 |
| Girl Child | 2500 |
Program Implementation and Objectives
The Nashonuma Programme is implemented through 545 Facilitation Centers across 158 districts, including 35 mobile sites in Sindh, two in Punjab, and 27 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Health and Nutritional Goals
The program aims to:
- Prevent stunting in children under two years.
- Improve weight gain among pregnant women.
- Reduce anemia and micronutrient deficiencies.
- Enhance awareness of maternal and early child health/nutrition.
Conditional Requirements for Beneficiaries
Mothers must:
- Attend regular antenatal health checks and awareness sessions.
- Consume Specialized Nutritious Food (SNF).
- Ensure their children are immunized and undergo regular health checks.
Insights from Economic Survey 2023-24
The Economic Survey 2023-24, presented by the Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, highlights the achievements and financial allocations of BISP. The internationally acclaimed BISP continues to play a crucial role in alleviating poverty and improving education and health standards among its beneficiaries.
Financial Summary
| Scheme | Total Disbursement (Rs) | Beneficiaries |
| Benazir Taleemi Wazaif | 117 billion | 14.8 million children |
| Benazir Nashonuma | 10.83 billion | 1,873,557 individuals |
Impact of BISP Initiatives
The continuous financial support provided by BISP has significantly contributed to:
- Increased school enrollment rates.
- Improved nutritional status of mothers and children.
- Enhanced awareness and utilization of health services among low-income families.
Conclusion
The Benazir Income Support Programme, through its initiatives like Benazir Taleemi Wazaif and Benazir Nashonuma, continues to impact the lives of millions of underprivileged families in Pakistan. By providing financial assistance and promoting education and health, BISP is making significant strides towards achieving sustainable development and reducing poverty.
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.