Benazir Income Support Program widow women (BISP), Pakistan’s largest social security scheme, has announced the resumption of widow women registration by April 2024. The move aims to provide financial support and empowerment to vulnerable sections of society one of the best: women struggling to make a living.
Empowering Vulnerable Individuals
BISP widow women was established in 2008 to reduce poverty and promote social inclusion in Pakistan. Named after the late Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, the program provides unconditional cash transfers to low-income families, with women as the main beneficiaries. Targeting widowed women, BISP recognizes the unique challenges faced by this group and seeks to provide them with the support they need to rebuild their lives.
widow women in Pakistan often face significant social and economic barriers. Many are left without a steady source of income after the loss of their husbands, struggling to support themselves and their children Cultural values and a lack of education can make it difficult for them to find work or access resources. BISP aims to provide these women with a path from poverty to self-sufficiency by providing financial assistance and integrating them into other support services
Eligibility Criteria of BISP for widow women 2024
To be eligible for registration in the BISP widow list, applicants must meet certain criteria:
- The applicant must be a Pakistani citizen and permanent resident of the country
- The applicant must be a widow with no source of income
- The applicant’s household income must be below the poverty line (currently capped at PKR 25,000 per month).
The applicant must not be a beneficiary of any other government social welfare program. These standards ensure that the program targets those most in need. By focusing on poor and limited-income widows, BISP can maximize its impact and ensure that resources are channeled where they will benefit most.
Registration Procedure of BISP for Widows Women 2024
The BISP Widows Program registration process will begin in April 2024. Applicants will have two options for registration.
- Online registration through BISP website (bisp.gov.pk).
- Individual registration at BISP Tehsil offices
- For online registration, applicants must complete a complete application form with accurate information and enclose it with the required documents.
These documents may include
- Electronic National Identity Card (CNIC)
- Death certificate of husband
- Income certificate or affidavit without income
- Utility cards as proof of residence
Those who want to register themselves can visit their nearest BISP tehsil office, where the staff will help in filling up the application form and collecting the required documents.
Verification Process of BISP for Widows Women 2024
Once the application is submitted, the applicant will go through a verification process to determine eligibility for the program. This process can be as follows:
- The applicant’s information will be reviewed by the National Database Registration Authority (NADRA).
- Needs a poverty score assessment to assess the socio-economic status of the applicant
- Verification of applicant’s widow status and lack of income through documents and interview
The verification process is designed to prevent fraud and ensure that only qualified individuals receive assistance. Depending on the size of the application and the complexity of each case, it can take weeks or months to complete.
SMS Registration Method of BISP for widow women 2024
In addition to online and in-person registration, the BISP has introduced an SMS registration method for the convenience of applicants. To register via SMS, applicants can follow these steps:
- Type “BISP <space> CNIC Number” and send it to 8171
- Example: BISP 12345-6789012-3
- Send the SMS from the applicant’s mobile number registered with their CNIC
Once the SMS is sent, applicants will receive a confirmation message with further instructions on how to proceed with their application. This process simplifies their registration process and makes it more convenient for those who do not have access to the internet or can access the BISP office in person.
Challenges and Government Facilitation
Despite BISP’s efforts to make their registration process as simple and easy as possible, many widowed women may still face challenges in seeking assistance. These challenges may include:
- Lack of knowledge about the program and how to participate
- Important documents are difficult to obtain, especially for those in remote areas
- Limited mobility due to cultural norms or lack of transportation
- literacy or language barriers that make it difficult to fill out forms or understand instructions
Read More: BISP NSER Mobile Launches App for Easy Registration in 2024
To meet these challenges, the government and BISP are taking steps to simplify the widow registration process. These steps include:
- Conduct advertising and information campaigns through the media, community leaders and community organizations
- Assistance in obtaining necessary documentation, such as a death certificate or income affidavit
- Establishment of mobile registration units in remote areas for those who cannot reach the BISP office
- Providing translation services and assistance to those who may have difficulty understanding the application process
By making the registration process as simple and user-friendly as possible, BISP aims to ensure that all eligible widows have the opportunity to apply and receive the support they need.
widow women register for the BISP
widow women can register for the Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) in Pakistan through the following process:
Obtain required documents:
- National Identity Card (CNIC)
- Death certificate of husband
- Proof of income/poverty status such as utility bills, property certificates, etc.
- Visit the nearest BISP office or tehsil office. Representatives there will guide widows through the registration process and help fill out necessary forms.
- Alternatively, widows can register online by visiting the official BISP website and entering their CNIC number. Once approved, they will receive a certificate of registration.
- Registration can also be done through SMS by sending CNIC number to 8171 from a widow registered mobile number. You will receive a successful registration message.
- Another method is participating in the National Socio-Economic Registry (NSER) survey at a BISP office.
- If the widow’s eligibility verification is pending after registration, she can visit the nearest BISP/Ehsaas office to complete the verification process and paperwork.
The key eligibility criteria for widow women include
- Holding a valid CNIC
- Providing the death certificate of the husband
- Having a poverty score below the cut-off (e.g. below 30)
- Not being a government employee
- Meeting other conditions like no overseas travel, no significant property, etc.
Conclusion
The resumption of BISP enrolment of widows in April 2024 represents an important step towards empowering and supporting one of Pakistan’s most vulnerable populations by providing unconditional funding them linking benefits to other social services
While there are still challenges in reaching all eligible individuals and ensuring proper registration, the government’s commitment to simplifying applications and raising awareness is a good sign. As more widowed women gain access to the program, the program has the potential to create lasting change and break the cycle of poverty for future generations.
