The Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) on Wednesday raised cash support for its beneficiaries, increasing the quarterly amount under the Benazir Kafalat Programme by Rs1,000, bringing the new stipend to Rs14,500 starting from the first of Ramazan.

Additionally, BISP announced a Rs500 increase in stipends for recipients of the Benazir Educational Scholarships and the Benazir Nashonuma Programme. These enhancements aim to provide more financial relief to the program’s beneficiaries, particularly as the holy month of Ramazan approaches.

The decision was disclosed during a live e-Katcheri session held at the BISP Headquarters in Islamabad, led by Chairperson Senator Rubina Khalid.

The e-Katcheris are interactive sessions designed to address the concerns of the public, understand the challenges faced by beneficiaries and ensure the timely resolution of any issues.

With the revised increase of Rs1,000, the quarterly stipend for eligible women under the Benazir Kafalat Programme was raised from Rs13,500 to Rs14,500. Meanwhile, the stipends under the Benazir Educational Scholarships for girls in the primary section were increased by Rs500, bringing the total to Rs3,000. For secondary-level students, the stipend was increased to Rs3,800.

Addressing the session’s participants, Senator Rubina highlighted the importance of the financial support, particularly during Ramazan.

“A significant enhancement in financial assistance is being provided under BISP in view of the upcoming holy month of Ramazan,” she said. “Ramazan is a month of blessings, patience, and compassion, and in line with this spirit, BISP is extending maximum possible relief to deserving families.”

She further emphasised the rightful entitlements of beneficiaries, urging women to ensure that they received the full amount due to them and not accept any unauthorised deductions. “The stipend is your lawful right, and BISP will initiate strict action against any attempt at unjust deduction or malpractice,” she warned.

Senator Rubina also encouraged women to be confident in raising their voices against injustice. She reiterated that no compromises would be made regarding the rights of BISP beneficiaries.

In case of any complaints, beneficiaries were urged to contact the BISP helpline at 0800-26477 or visit the nearest BISP office.

During the live e-Katcheri, 31 callers from across Pakistan directly reached out to the BISP chairperson to raise their concerns. The session lasted for an hour, and BISP’s director generals and relevant officers were present to ensure swift resolution of the complaints. The most common issues raised by callers included matters related to re-surveying, biometric verification, program enrollment, and stipend disbursements.

Senator Rubina attentively listened to all grievances and issued clear directives to concerned authorities, emphasising that any negligence in addressing public complaints would not be tolerated. She stressed that all issues must be resolved within the stipulated timeframe, ensuring that no delay or oversight occurs in meeting the needs of the beneficiaries.