The History of BISP: A Comprehensive Overview

 # The History of BISP: A Comprehensive Overview

The Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) stands as Pakistan's largest social safety net, providing a crucial financial lifeline to millions of underprivileged families. Established in 2008, its history is a testament to a national commitment to poverty alleviation and social uplift. This article delves into the origins, evolution, and enduring legacy of BISP, charting its journey from an emergency response initiative to a comprehensive social protection system.

## The Genesis of BISP: Responding to a National Crisis

The creation of BISP was a direct response to the challenging economic conditions of 2008. The country was grappling with the dual impact of a global financial crisis and soaring food and fuel prices. This economic pressure disproportionately affected the poorest segments of the population, pushing many households below the poverty line. In this context, the Government of Pakistan, led by the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), launched the Benazir Income Support Programme in July 2008. The programme was established through an Act of Parliament, giving it a strong legal foundation and ensuring its continuity across different government tenures.

## Key Milestones in BISP's Evolution

Over the years, BISP has transformed from a simple cash transfer programme into a multi-faceted social protection platform.

### Initial Launch and Objectives (2008)

Initially, BISP was launched as an unconditional cash transfer programme. Its primary goal was to provide immediate financial relief to vulnerable families, helping them cushion the effects of inflation and meet their basic needs. The focus was on female beneficiaries, aiming to empower women by giving them direct control over household financial resources.

### The National Socio-Economic Registry (NSER)

A pivotal moment in BISP's history was the establishment of the National Socio-Economic Registry (NSER). To ensure that aid reached the most deserving, BISP conducted a nationwide poverty scorecard survey between 2010 and 2011. This survey collected data on household assets and socioeconomic status to identify eligible families using a Proxy Means Test (PMT). The NSER became the backbone of targeted social protection in Pakistan, used not only by BISP but also by numerous other government and non-governmental programs.

### Introduction of Conditional Cash Transfers

Building on its foundation, BISP introduced Conditional Cash Transfers (CCTs) to encourage long-term human capital development. Key CCT initiatives include:

- **Waseela-e-Taleem (2012):** This initiative provides additional cash stipends to beneficiary families contingent on their children's enrollment and attendance in primary school.

- **Nashonuma Programme:** Launched later, this programme addresses health and nutrition by providing specialized nutritious food and cash stipends to pregnant and lactating women and children under two, conditional on health check-ups.

### Integration and Reinstatement (2019-Present)

In 2019, BISP was subsumed under the umbrella of the Ehsaas Programme. While its core operations continued, the branding and administrative oversight were integrated into the new framework. However, in 2022, the programme was formally reinstated with its original name, reaffirming the vision associated with its founder. Since then, it has continued to expand its reach and increase stipend amounts to counter rising inflation.

## The Visionary Behind the Programme: Benazir Bhutto

The programme is named in honor of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, a two-time Prime Minister of Pakistan. Although it was launched after her assassination in 2007, the programme embodies her vision of a welfare state that prioritizes the poor and marginalized, particularly women. Her philosophy of social democracy and empowerment remains the guiding principle of BISP.

## Core Objectives and Enduring Impact

The fundamental objectives of BISP have remained consistent throughout its history:

- **Poverty Alleviation:** Providing a regular and predictable source of income to reduce economic vulnerability.

- **Women Empowerment:** Disbursing funds directly to female heads of households to enhance their financial autonomy.

- **Human Capital Development:** Promoting education and health through conditional cash transfers.

BISP's impact has been profound. It has provided financial stability to millions, improved school enrollment rates, and contributed to better health and nutrition outcomes for mothers and children. By creating a robust, data-driven system for social protection, it has set a benchmark for welfare programs in the developing world.

## BISP Today: Legacy and Future Directions

Today, the Benazir Income Support Programme continues to be a cornerstone of Pakistan's social welfare architecture. It is constantly adapting to new challenges, leveraging technology for transparent disbursement and dynamic updates to its beneficiary database. The history of BISP is not just a story of a government program; it is the story of a nation's ongoing effort to build a more equitable and just society for all its citizens.