The Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) is a government initiative aimed at providing financial aid to millions of people across Pakistan who are in need. Despite its extensive reach, there are still many areas in the country, particularly in Balochistan, where people cannot easily access this support due to the lack of internet connectivity. To address this issue, BISP’s new chairperson has introduced 18 satellite vans in 18 districts of Balochistan. These vans will help survey and register eligible families in remote regions, ensuring that everyone who qualifies can receive the support they need.
Also Read: BISP Expanding Social Safety Nets in Pakistan
Why Satellite Vans Are Important for Balochistan
During a visit to Hub, the chairperson of BISP discussed the challenges faced by people living in Balochistan. The province is home to many remote areas with limited or no internet access, which makes it difficult for residents to register for the BISP programs online. As a result, many deserving families have been unable to benefit from the financial assistance that BISP offers. To address this problem, 18 of the 25 satellite vans allocated to the BISP program have been deployed to 18 districts across Balochistan. These vans will travel to remote areas, making it easier for people to register for BISP and receive the financial aid they need.
Key Features of BISP Satellite Vans Initiative
| Feature | Details |
| Number of Vans | 18 vans deployed in 18 districts |
| Target Areas | Remote and internet-deprived regions of Balochistan |
| Purpose | To survey and register eligible families |
| Expected Outcome | Increased registration of deserving families in BISP programs |
New Survey for BISP Kafalat Program
BISP has also launched a new survey to update its list of beneficiaries for the Kafalat 12500 program. This survey is crucial because only those who are registered will receive the next payment. The survey aims to include both newly registered families and those who have been re-surveyed after 2021. The goal is to finalize the list by the end of September, ensuring that all eligible individuals can continue to receive financial support every three months.
Bullet Points: Key Goals of the BISP Kafalat Survey
- Register new families in remote areas.
- Update the list of current beneficiaries.
- Ensure timely payments for all eligible individuals.
- Expand the reach of BISP to include more deserving families.
The Need for Satellite Vans in Balochistan
The satellite vans were introduced because many people in Balochistan, especially in mountainous areas like Mashkilal, Driji, and Kinraj, face difficulties in accessing BISP services. These regions lack the basic infrastructure needed to register for government programs. The vans will help overcome this challenge by providing mobile registration services, ensuring that people in even the most remote areas can benefit from BISP.
BISP’s Impact in Balochistan
BISP is currently operating in 43 tehsils and 158 sub-tehsils across Balochistan, reaching about two million beneficiaries. During a briefing, it was revealed that BISP is disbursing 20 billion rupees to these beneficiaries under various programs, including the Benazir Kafalat Program and the Benazir Nashonuma Program. The introduction of satellite vans is expected to further increase the program’s reach and impact, ensuring that even more families receive the financial support they need.
Easier Payments Through the State Bank
The government is also working to simplify the payment process for BISP beneficiaries. According to Senator Rubina Khalid, efforts are being made to ensure that payments are issued on time, and cards are delivered without delays. The State Bank has been directed to facilitate these payments, making it easier for beneficiaries to receive their money. Additionally, BISP coverage in Balochistan is expanding with the creation of seven new zones, further improving access to financial assistance.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the introduction of 18 satellite vans by BISP is a significant step toward expanding its reach in Balochistan. By addressing the lack of internet connectivity and conducting door-to-door surveys, these vans will ensure that all eligible families can access the financial support they deserve. The government’s commitment to simplifying the payment process and expanding BISP’s coverage reflects its dedication to helping the most vulnerable populations in Pakistan.
FAQs
Q1: What is the purpose of the BISP satellite vans?
The satellite vans are designed to survey and register eligible families in remote areas of Balochistan where internet access is limited or nonexistent.
Q2: How many satellite vans have been deployed?
BISP has deployed 18 satellite vans across 18 districts in Balochistan.
Q3: Who will benefit from the new BISP Kafalat survey?
The survey targets both newly registered families and those who have been re-surveyed since 2021 to ensure they remain eligible for financial support.
Q4: How is the government making it easier for BISP beneficiaries to receive payments?
The government is working with the State Bank to ensure timely issuance of payment cards and simplify the payment process for beneficiaries.