ISLAMABAD: The Director General (DG) of the National Socio-Economic Registry in the Benazir Income Support Program (BISP), Naveed Akbar, revealed on Wednesday that the BISP is set to introduce a convenient initiative called ‘Mobile Registration Vehicles’ to facilitate financial assistance in remote districts of Sindh and Balochistan.
In an interview with the state news channel, Akbar explained that many remote areas lack established registration centers, prompting the BISP to deploy mobile vans for eligible families to enroll in the program. This move aims to streamline the registration process, ensuring every deserving family can easily participate in the BISP.
The mobile vans will visit every district in the provinces according to a scheduled routine, and initial awareness campaigns will precede the registration drives. Akbar highlighted the upcoming establishment of call centers at the district level to address citizens’ complaints promptly under the BISP program.
Addressing the program’s inclusivity, Akbar mentioned that differently-abled persons and transgender individuals are also part of this initiative following the approval of a policy by the BISP Board.
The ongoing union council surveys at every district level are integral to the program’s commitment to registering more eligible families and conducting future surveys nationwide.
Regarding the banking system, Akbar mentioned plans to streamline it, with six to seven additional banks becoming part of the payment system. He also highlighted the government’s announcement of a savings scheme (Bachat Scheme) under the BISP for daily wage earners and other deserving individuals.
Applicants for the Bachat scheme must complete the NSER survey in the Benazir Income Support Program before applying. The scheme’s duration is two years, with participants able to withdraw their funds after this period. Initially launched in 13 districts, the program is expected to expand to cover all districts in the country.
Akbar concluded that the government intends to increase the cash stipend for BISP beneficiaries, with plans to enhance health and education stipends under the program. —APP/59
