TOBA TEK SINGH: The number of beneficiaries of the Benazir Income Support Programme would jump to 10m from existing 9.3m by the end of this year, says BISP Chairperson Senator Rubina Khalid while addressing a meeting at the Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FCCI) on Friday.

She said the programme was providing the poor families with relief, bridging the difference between their income and expenditures. She said she was contemplating promoting a skilled development programme under the BISP to gradually drag out registered families from abysmal poverty.

The ‘Waseela-e-Rozgar Scheme’ was launched but it was abandoned in its nestling stage.

“We are again considering restarting it by equipping children of registered families, particularly girls, with market-driven skills with the support of the BISP,” Ms Khalid said and added that the ultimate objective of her visit to the FCCI was to identify the areas where these children could be absorbed instantly. She said skilled human resource could also start own businesses or go abroad to earn precious foreign exchange for the country.

She said that currently two banks were authorised to disburse financial assistance, which was causing problems for the large numbers of beneficiaries of the BISP, adding that the BISP was contemplating to authorise six banks for this purpose. She further said new applications were also being entertained but they would have to provide their CNICs, B-Form and electricity bill etc.

Rubina Khalid said that in order to ensure transparency, the system was being digitised in addition to linking it with Nadra, FBR and Excise Department.

Rehan Naseem Bharara, the president FCCI, demanded unemployment allowance for the daily wagers rendered jobless due to the closure of the industrial sector.

FCCI Vice President Shahid Mumtaz Bajwa also spoke while Senior Vice President Qaisar Shams Gucha, BISP Director Quratul Ain, Director Ali Raza and others were also present.

Published in Dawn, October 12th, 2024