How Benazir Kafalat Program Differs from Ehsaas Program and get the payment. Many people are unsure about the difference between the Benazir Kafalat Program and the Ehsaas Program, both of which are provided by the Government of Pakistan. To address this confusion, Rubina Khalid, the chairperson of the Benazir Income Support Program (BISP), explained the distinctions during a recent press conference. This article will clarify the differences and changes between these two programs. How Benazir Kafalat Program Differs from Ehsaas Program, here you can all information about both programs.
Introduction to Both Programs
The Benazir Kafalat Program was launched by BISP in 2008 to provide financial assistance to poor families, particularly women. The Ehsaas Program was introduced later, in 2019, by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government under the leadership of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. The purpose of both programs was to support vulnerable families, but each had its own approach and scope.
Merging of the Ehsaas Program with BISP
In 2023, the Government of Pakistan decided to discontinue the Ehsaas Program and merge its beneficiaries with the Benazir Kafalat Program. This means those who were receiving benefits from the Ehsaas Program are now being assisted through BISP, simplifying the system and making it more efficient.
The Benazir Kafalat Program
The Benazir Kafalat Program was created to provide financial help to women from low-income families. Currently, beneficiaries receive Rs 10,500 every three months, with plans to increase this amount to Rs 13,500 in January 2025. The program is now helping 10 million women across Pakistan, providing regular financial aid to help them meet their basic needs.
The Ehsaas Program
The Ehsaas Program, launched in 2019, aimed to support poor families who were struggling to survive. At its height in 2021, it provided financial assistance to 7 to 10 million people. However, the program was terminated, and its beneficiaries are now being supported by BISP under the Benazir Kafalat Program.
Programs Offered Under BISP
Both the Benazir Kafalat Program and the Ehsaas Program offered a variety of sub-programs to assist the poor. Key programs under BISP include Benazir Taleemi Wazaif, which supports children’s education, and the Benazir Hunarmand Program, which helps women gain skills and start businesses. Other programs like the Nashonuma Program and Sopran Program provide additional financial and health support.
Ehsaas Program Sub-Programs
The Ehsaas Program also had several sub-programs before its termination. These included Ehsaas Kafalat, Ehsaas Aamdan, and Ehsaas Emergency Cash, which supported people during the COVID-19 pandemic. Other initiatives like Ehsaas Scholarships and Ehsaas Free Atta aimed to help students and provide basic food supplies to low-income families.
Registration Process for BISP
The registration process for BISP has been streamlined following the merger with the Ehsaas Program. To register, individuals must first update their documents at the NADRA office and then visit the nearest BISP Tehsil Office. After document verification, applicants can complete a form to join the Benazir Kafalat Program. Once registered, they will receive Rs 13,500 every three months, which can be redeemed at any BISP Cash Center, EasyPaisa, or JazzCash Retailer.
How to Redeem Payments
Once registered, beneficiaries of the Benazir Kafalat Program can redeem their Rs 13,500 payments every three months. These payments can be collected from any nearby BISP Cash Center, or via EasyPaisa and JazzCash retailer shops.
Is the Ehsaas Program Still Active?
No, the Ehsaas Program is no longer active. It has been discontinued by the government, and all those who were benefiting from it are now included in the Benazir Kafalat Program under BISP.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Beneficiaries can take advantage of several sub-programs, including Benazir Taleemi Wazaif, Benazir Hunarmand Program, and Nashonuma Program. The amount of Rs 13,500 can be redeemed at various BISP Cash Centers, EasyPaisa, or JazzCash outlets. If you have not yet registered for BISP, it is essential to update your documents and complete the registration process to start receiving benefits.
Conclusion
The Benazir Kafalat Program and the Ehsaas Program were initially separate initiatives with different purposes, but they have now been merged under BISP. Women who were previously part of the Ehsaas Program are now receiving support through the Benazir Kafalat Program, with Rs 13,500 provided every three months. Those who have not yet registered should visit their local NADRA office to update their information and complete their registration at the BISP Tehsil Office to begin receiving financial assistance.