By Pakistan’s largest social protection programme is the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP). The BISP was founded in the year 2008. Moreover, its main function is to give cash transfer to the families which are most in need in the country. Its main-cum-overarching purpose is the elimination of poverty especially for women. This paper takes an analysis of the program – its goals, ingredients, effects, and prospects.
Why benazir income support came into action?
Pakistan has been facing the problem of poverty in the country for several years. In Addition to high inflation rates, rising food prices and limited access to basic services as well makes life miserable. There were further pressures from the global financial crisis that began in 2008. In response, the government launched benazir income support. To support afflicted families with basic monetary help.
The government understood that it would not suffice to offer a one-off contribution towards the demand of the youth. Thus, BISP was an ongoing support program. So that the poorest of families could learn how to handle their incomes. By choosing to deal with the female head of the household, the program also give due attention to gender equity.
How benazir income support Works
The mode of operation of BISP on payments of cash transfers to the intended households. Funds are for basic necessities including; food, shelter and health care to the affected families. I also learned that, to make sure the money finds it way to the needy, the program has a poverty scorecard. This scorecard shows households that are below the poverty level. The families enrolled to the program receive quarterly payment.
Another factor in BISP is that the money is being given to women. They turn this approach into a way of empowering women by taking financial control of the households. It makes sure that resources are available for everyone’s good especially for the family.
Before going further let me allow myself to give a brief on BISP. It is important to know that BISP also encompass complementary programs. The most efficacious of these is the Waseela-e-Taleem program.
Waseela-e-Taleem: Supporting Education
Basic Health Cash Initiate is a cash transfer program which provides money to families on admitting children into school. It does not take much to see the goal here: to reduce children’s exclusions to enhance literacy and life chances. Pakistan has suffered low enrolment ratios and even more so in girls’ education. Waseela-e-Taleem treats this problem by providing parents with financial motivation.
For families that are beneficiaries of Waseela-e-Taleem, the children are expected to a attend education sessions at least 70% of the total sessions. In return, they are given extra money for meeting the costs associated with school. This has contributed enhancing school enrollment standards especially in the rural areas.
Effectiveness of BISP in combating poverty in Pakistan
The index has played a significant role in reduction of poverty in Pakistan through BISP. This way the program reaches more than five million families. Who come out of the cycle of extreme poverty. Using the above quantitative analysis we discover that poverty rate has reduced by 7%.
It means, BISP helps families to cater basic needs without having a burden of financial debt. As a result of this, there is perceived to be an increased standard of living within many areas of societies. Recipients now have a greater buying power . As a result of increased disposable income on food, healthcare letters, and education.
Furthermore, BISP over the years has been SINE_Qua Non for decreasing hunger. Interview conducted with the household head reveal that majority of households suffer from food insecurity. Moreover, most of them are poor farming families in rural areas in Pakistan. Such families have cash at their disposal and can thus source quality food, thereby decreasing chances of getting affected by malnutrition.
An analysis of BISP program and its role in empowering women of Pakistan
As the checks go to the female head of the household, BISP benefits millions of women. Another example in many regions of Pakistan is the women’s denial of any control over their own money. BISP does this by empowering the women to learn to manage household finances. This change also empowers women by giving them a say in decision making.
A research done found out that women who in receipt of BISP payments exercise the decision making power of the households.
BISP’s Role in Strengthening the Economy
Apart from eradicating poverty, BISP has also played a role in stabilizing the economy of Pakistan. This they do by providing cash into the economy to spur certain local markets on. Beneficiaries use the payments made in such areas. As purchasing food, clothing, and other essentials, which encourages growth of small business.
A significant percentage has been with particular success in the rural regions. Where access to financial instruments is scarce. BISP payments enable families to spend on the local economy as they break the cycles of poverty. This means that the program has played an important role in reconstructing a strong economy in some of the poorest areas in Pakistan.
Challenges and Criticism of benazir income support
Despite the successful performance to mitigate extreme poverty incidents. The BISP has not been without challenges. The first concern is the challenge that organizations face when trying to identify families. But, the poverty scorecard has often overlooked some of the needy households. The scorecard which guides the assessment misses out some families that would need help.
Also, the program’s implementation encounters practical difficulties. A big challenge faced by Pakistan is the hard terrain. Moreover, not all potential families are considered due to the geographic size. When it comes to remote areas, going to banks or ATMs to collect check or cash can sometimes be very difficult. The government has endeavored to solve these problems by enhancing payment management. But such deficiencies are still present.
Criticism has also followed the size of the transfers in the form of cash. Others would propose that the quantity offered is insufficient. That will transform the lives of the beneficiaries. BISP payment is helpful in catering basic needs. But, these are not enough offering an employment that can help women become independent.
Conclusion
The Benazir Income Support Programme has changed the face of millions of Pakistan’s poorest families. BISP is a beneficial governmental organization for poor people; according to the study, it supports them through the cash transfer program. Awareness of women and education the program also encourages brings the change for both the immediate and permanent human.