Anindita Chatterjee
Updated on: October 16, 2024 1:41 pm GMT
Over Rs 5 billion has been disbursed to beneficiaries of the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) through JazzCash. This payment initiative aims to support nearly 1.3 million women registered for the program across Pakistan. The process, which commenced recently, has garnered positive feedback for its efficiency and accessibility.
Context and Purpose of BISP
The BISP aims to provide financial assistance to vulnerable families, ensuring the welfare of women and children. As part of its ongoing efforts, BISP has signed an agreement with the United Nations World Food Programme (UNWFP) to extend the Benazir Nashonuma Programme for another two years. This program focuses on reducing malnutrition among pregnant women and children under two years old.
Successful Disbursement Through JazzCash
JazzCash is responsible for distributing payments across various regions in Pakistan, including:
- Sindh: Sanghar, Nawabshah, Mirpurkhas, Tharparkar, Matiari, Umerkot, Sujawal, Tando Allahyar, Tando Mohammad Khan, Hyderabad
- Balochistan: Kaharan, Chaghai
- Punjab: Rahim Yar Khan
- Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Malakand
The introduction of a dedicated complaint management cell, staffed by agents fluent in regional languages, aims to provide timely assistance to all beneficiaries. This new approach attempts to make the disbursement process smooth and user-friendly.
Real Experiences from Beneficiaries
Women like Shamim Akhtar, a widow from Matiari, have expressed relief at the changes made to the disbursement process. “I was worried at first, but everything was well organized when I arrived. This time, I didn’t have to wait long,” she said after receiving her payment swiftly.
Others have echoed similar sentiments. Fatima Bibi, a 55-year-old woman from Hyderabad shared, “The process is smooth, the agents were very helpful, and there were no deductions.” This marks a significant improvement, especially compared to previous experiences where women faced long queues and harsh conditions while waiting for their payments.
Support for Those with Disabilities
The enhancements don’t stop at efficiency. JazzCash is also catering to beneficiaries with disabilities. Kaneez Fatima from Rahim Yar Khan highlighted how the staff guided her through the withdrawal process despite her mobility issues. “They even taught me how to use an ATM, which I had never known before,” she explained.
JazzCash has introduced free debit cards for those unable to perform biometric verification for ATM withdrawals. This initiative empowers individuals like Kaneez to withdraw their funds independently and conveniently.
Impact of the Extended Benazir Nashonuma Programme
The agreement between BISP and UNWFP is a vital step toward combating malnutrition in Pakistan. Chairperson of BISP Rubina Khalid emphasized this initiative’s importance during a ceremony in Islamabad. “Every child in Pakistan deserves a healthy start in life,” she stated, underscoring the government’s commitment to enhance the program’s reach and effectiveness.
Under the Benazir Nashonuma Programme, families are provided with Rs 2,500 per quarter for each child. This support aims to alleviate the burden on mothers and improve the nutrition of their children.
Conclusion
The disbursement of funds through JazzCash marks a new chapter in the BISP’s journey to support vulnerable families. With significant amounts of money disbursed and the extension of critical programs like Benazir Nashonuma, the initiative is gradually transforming how financial assistance reaches those in need. Through this support, it is hoped that families can achieve better health and economic stability.
BISP is working hard to make life better for people all over Pakistan. They want to help everyone and make sure no one is left out.
