ISLAMABAD: The Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) has helped reduce poverty ratio by 22 per cent.
The figure was revealed in a first-ever evaluation report of the programme that was launched by President Mamnoon Hussain, while BISP chief Marvi Memon was also present there.
The BISP evaluation report pointed out whether the cash transfer programme has achieved its objective of providing direct support to the poorest families by supplementing their incomes. It also evaluates the impact on key areas including consumption smoothening and poverty alleviation.
Highlighting key findings of the report, Marvi Memon said that 64% beneficiaries have control over BISP’s stipend. This means empowerment of women and more expenditure on children’s nutritional needs.
“This report surveys impact between April and June 2013, a period of the last government when payments were not being made regularly. However, it has some important findings for future years,” she said. Payments to the beneficiaries have been regular since 2014, she added.
Addressing on the occasion, President Mamnoon said that the welfare of citizens is the responsibility of the state. “The Constitution under Article 38 ensures the promotion of social and economic well being of all citizens. In this regard BISP is playing a key role for the welfare of the poorest and most vulnerable segments in the country, he said.
