Standing committee on poverty alleviation holds meeting to strengthen social safety net

The Standing Committee on Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety convened its fourth meeting on 30 September 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) Headquarters in Islamabad. Chaired by Mir Ghulam Ali Talpur, a Member of the National Assembly from Badin, the meeting focused on enhancing the social safety net framework across the country.

During the session, the Committee received a comprehensive briefing from the Ministry of Poverty Alleviation & Social Safety (PA&SS) and BISP regarding the budgetary allocations for the Financial Year 2024-25. While substantial funds were allocated for social protection, concerns were raised about the utilization of previously allocated resources. The Committee instructed the Ministry to present a transparent roadmap to ensure that expenditures align with the program’s goals and that unbudgeted expenses are addressed through proper planning and oversight.

The Committee reviewed a fund utilization report from Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal (PBM) and urged the Ministry to expedite the processing of cases to prevent hardships for applicants. Additionally, the Trust for Voluntary Organizations (TVO) presented a district-wise list of partner organizations and their activities.

Significant operational issues faced by BISP beneficiaries due to the introduction of new banking contracts and Point of Sale (POS) devices were also discussed. Complaints regarding malfunctioning devices and delayed payments prompted the Committee to recommend comprehensive pilot testing before any future rollout of new models, along with extensive staff training to mitigate disruptions. An enhanced communication strategy was also called for to keep beneficiaries informed during transitions.

The Committee granted a thirty-day extension for the reconstitution of a subcommittee initially formed on 20 August 2024 to address registration and enrollment issues in BISP, as well as challenges faced during quarterly disbursements under the Benazir Kafaalat Program. The subcommittee is led by Ms. Shazia Marri, MNA, and includes members Mr. Ahmad Atteeq Anwer, Mr. Muhammad Bashir Khan, and Mr. Awais Haider Jakhar.

The meeting also covered the status and future direction of BISP’s Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) programs, including Taleemi Wazaif (Educational Grants) and Health Wazaif (Health Stipends), aimed at reducing stunting and improving educational outcomes.

Members of the National Assembly present included Mir Ghulam Ali Talpur, Mr. Shahid Usman, Mr. Ahmad Atteeq Anwer, Mir Khan Muhammad Jamali, Nawabzada Iftikhar Ahmed Khan Babar, Mr. Arshad Abdullah Vohra, Ms. Aasia Ishaque Siddiqui, Mr. Muhammad Bashir Khan, Mr. Shafqat Abbas, and Mr. Misbah Uddin. Ms. Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, Ms. Shazia Marri, and Mr. Awais Haider Jakhar attended virtually. The meeting also saw the participation of Mr. Muhammad Azhar Khan Leghari, Parliamentary Secretary for Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety, along with BISP Chairperson Ms. Rubina Khalid and senior officials from relevant ministries and departments.