In an attempt to marginalise segments of society under the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), the board members announced a new initiative called the Benazir Kafalat Programme (BKP).
Under the Benazir Kafalat Programme, transgender persons can receive Rs. 7,000. Reportedly, the registration process has already started.
According to an official statement, a consensus to this effect was reached in the 56th BISP Board of Directors meeting, chaired by Federal Minister for Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety and BISP Chairperson Shazia Marri.
“56th Board Meeting of Benazir Income Support Programme which [was] held under [the] chair of Federal Minister/Chairperson BISP Shazia Atta Marri [has] taken decisions of structural reforms, extending benefits to [the] transgender community and [is] aimed to extend all possible help to needy people,” said a post on official BISP Twitter handle.
56th Board Meeting of Benazir Income Support Program which held under chair of Federal Minister/Chairperson BISP @ShaziaAttaMarri taken decisions of structural reforms,extending benefits to transgender community and aimed to extend all possible help to needy people. pic.twitter.com/aVpfG5HIBy
— Benazir Income Support Programme (@bisp_pakistan) December 2, 2022
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In a video message on Friday, Marri explained the process. “The members of the transgender community are urged to register themselves with BKP, adding that they would receive Rs7,000 upon successful registration,” the message said.
Moreover, the members also urged NADRA to simplify a system for updating CNICs of the transgender community.
#Watch: A groundbreaking announcement by Federal Minister and Chairperson Benazir Income Support Program regarding inclusion of transgender Pakistanis to the BISP beneficiaries.
Minister @ShaziaAttaMarri in this video defines the process of enrolling transgenders to the BISP. pic.twitter.com/QOTNrU3xe2
— Benazir Income Support Programme (@bisp_pakistan) December 3, 2022
Marri termed it a landmark achievement of the present government and urged the members of the Board of Directors to use their good offices and influence to mobilise this marginalised community so that the maximum number of transgender persons could benefit from this policy.
This amount will come as a slight relief to the trans individuals who have to beg and sell their bodies to earn a livelihood in this tough economy during the crisis.
We have yet to see how the community benefits from it in the long run.
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