BISP corruption

During the scrutiny of the audit report of Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety Division, it was revealed that Rs19 billion of the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) had been illegally distributed among 143,000 government officials — including 2,500 working in BS-17 and above. The BISP secretary claims that officials had been drawing from the funds meant for needy people in the names of their spouses and relatives.

This points towards a serious problem of lack of accountability and transparency from the top. It also shows the trickle-down effect of corruption. BISP is not just PPP’s flagship project but it is Pakistan’s largest targeted unconditional cash transfer programme. Its aim is to support the deprived and impoverished during times of rapid inflation and increased poverty. But it seems that it is being used to fill the pockets of greedy officials. There is no greater violation of human rights and disrespect of dignity than this. There is a huge possibility that the opposition PTI will play with this to strengthen their narrative and further dent the credibility of the ruling PDM coalition. In order to avoid this, the Prime Minister, along with the PPP Chairman, should make a public clarification statement and initiate an internal investigation on the matter to strictly penalise those who have been benefiting off the poor. Heads must roll and suspensions ordered. BS-17 and above officers who have been continuously taking advantage of this need to be banned from service to deter others from doing the same. Such level of corruption has no place in welfare projects, especially during economic uncertainty and deteriorating socio-economic conditions.

Unfortunately, this type of corruption is prevalent across the country, especially in Sindh. Instead of witnessing development, rural areas of Sindh continue to move backwards while a few keep on filling their pockets. The primary task of any government still remains to root out corruption and ensure grassroots development through sustainable projects.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 15^th, 2023.

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