ISLAMABAD, June 6: As prices show a regular upward trend and more and more people come to Pakistan Baitul Mal (PBM) for financial assistance, the PBM has sought an increase of Rs1.5 billion in its allocation in the forthcoming budget in order to cater to the needs of its growing number of beneficiaries, it has been learnt.

The annual budget for Baitul Mal for the outgoing year 2006- 07 was Rs7.5 billion. But the Baitul Mal authorities believe the amount is not sufficient to fulfil the needs of the growing number of applicants.

They have demanded the amount be raised to Rs9 billion for the coming financial year 2007-08. This alone will enable the PBM to reach out to all those living below poverty line and rely on the social safety net, Federal Minister for Social Welfare and Special Education Nawabzada Khawaja Mohammad Khan Hoti told Dawn.

He said the number of applicants for Baitul Mal was rising necessitating an increase in its budget. Apart from the hike in prices of commodities of daily life, job market is shrinking and the gap between the rich and poor is widening, compelling more and more people to depend on Baitul Mal and its food support programme. But the amount paid through these institutions falls far short of the requirements of beneficiaries.

During the last one year, there has been a double, even triple increase, in prices of commodities of daily life and the increase continues but the amount being paid through food support programme remains the same. At present, an amount of Rs300 per household is being paid to about two billion beneficiaries.

Despite the continuous increase in prices of daily use items, there has been an increase of only Rs500 to Rs1,000 per household in the FSP amount during the last six to seven years.

According to Baitul Mal statistics, an amount of Rs2,000 per household was paid to about 1.25 million beneficiaries throughout the country in the year 2000. Due to efficacy and effectiveness of the programme, the government increased its ceiling twice in financial year 2003-2004 from Rs2,000 per household to Rs2,400 per household. In the year 2005-06, the amount was increased to Rs3,000 per household from its previous Rs2,400 per household but there has been no increase since then. The total number of beneficiaries also increased to 1.46 million from the earlier 1.25 million households.