BISP: terminating poverty

BISP's new evaluation report suggests that there has been a drop in poverty by seven per cent

The Benazir Income Support Programme’s (BISP) new evaluation report suggests that there has been a drop in poverty by seven per cent, a three per cent decline in the poverty gap and a 10 per cent rise in school enrolment because of the social support programme. These numbers add to the positive aspects of the income support programme that has over the years become an important safety net for millions of households across Pakistan. But while these numbers appear to be a sign of progress, a lot more needs to be done. Though increasing the income of a family by providing cash is certainly a sustainable solution to reducing poverty and a step in the right direction. But its impact is only for as long as the government has funds to support the programme. It is also important to note that the funds for the BISP come from a World Bank loan that will have to be eventually paid back for the BISP to continue with its cause.

The Waseela-e-Taleem programme of the BISP has also been successful. It has reportedly led to 1.3 million students enrolling in school, as the programme gives a Rs750 per quarter incentive to children with a 70 per cent attendance record. Monetary incentives do give reason enough to go to school. School should in fact be an end in itself for which it is important to ensure that a good public education does indeed lead to a better future. But it’s not just the BISP’s job to ensure sound education for the underprivileged, the government should invest in improving standards of education.

It is hoped that the programme offers more with each coming year and evolves into a system that creates opportunities for the poor to further attain and sustain jobs, helping them to be productive members of society. As the proverb goes, “Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime.”

Published in The Express Tribune, January 21^st, 2017.

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