The Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) has decided to increase the quarterly stipend to 18,000 rupees, according to reports on Thursday.
BISP quarterly stipend increased
According to the details, the federal government has approved this increase for the next financial year. The purpose of this step is to give extra financial help to families with low income who are facing rising inflation.
BISP Chairperson Senator Rubina Khalid said that the program is a major source of financial support for poor and vulnerable families. She also said it helps improve the financial independence of women.
Further, she rejected negative criticism about the program and said that the government will fully protect the rights of all eligible beneficiaries.
She added that the increase in the stipend is part of efforts to strengthen social protection programs. The new amount will be implemented from the next financial year.
BISP digital wallets
She also announced a major change in the payment system. From July 1, all payments will be made through digital wallets instead of traditional methods.
According to the details, the program is also being expanded. Under this plan, unmarried women above 35 years of age will also be included in the scheme to receive financial support.
Unmarried women over 35 now eligible for BISP
Women who are above the age of 35 and are unmarried will soon become eligible for the BISP support program, officials informed a parliamentary committee.
The announcement came during a meeting of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) sub-committee. During the meeting, the members reviewed issues related to eligibility for the country’s largest social welfare programme.
During the discussion, committee member Bilal Mandokhail raised concerns about the exclusion of unmarried women from the programme.
He said that many unmarried women, especially those without family support or a stable source of income, face financial difficulties and deserve assistance through government welfare schemes.
