The Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) stands as a beacon of hope for countless impoverished women across rural Sindh, offering quarterly stipends to those most in need. However, beneath the surface of this noble initiative lies a troubling reality of exploitation and malpractice. Despite efforts to curb such practices, the 10500 BISP March payment has become a battleground for exploitation by unscrupulous agents, leaving beneficiaries vulnerable and disheartened.
The 10500 BISP Persistent Problem
Despite efforts to curb malpractices, illegal deductions ranging from Rs1,000 to Rs1,500 persist on the quarterly stipends provided to deserving women under the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) in rural Sindh. The issue extends beyond Badin city, with illegal deductions reported during stipend disbursement in smaller towns such as Matli Talhar, Tandobago, Golarchi, Karyo Ghanoor, Pangrio, Nando, and Khoski.
Also Read: Biometric Verification for BISP 20500 Payments
Many rural women, lacking literacy and familiarity with ATM operations, fall victim to exploitation by individuals lurking around banks during BISP payments. These agents charge exorbitant fees merely for operating the ATM card on behalf of the beneficiaries. Residents of Badin lamented that various parties, including police officers, bank guards stationed at ATMs, agents, purported journalists, camerapersons, social activists, and members of political and social organizations, are complicit in these illicit activities.
Furthermore, mobile phone franchise operators and holders of mobile wallet devices revealed facing coercion to facilitate illegal deductions, ultimately benefitting agents associated with law enforcement and extortionists posing as journalists or social workers. Some franchise holders, weary of ongoing exploitation, admitted to providing devices to racketeers, including policemen, journalists, and social activists, to evade further blackmail.
Root Causes and Criticisms on BISP Disbursement
Critics attribute the rampant embezzlement of funds allocated for impoverished women to governmental policy failures, as well as the apathy and incompetence of individuals entrusted with BISP disbursement. The systemic flaws exacerbate the plight of vulnerable beneficiaries, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive reform and enhanced oversight within the program.
How widespread is the issue of exploitation in BISP payments?
The issue extends beyond Badin city, with reports of illegal deductions in smaller towns such as Matli Talhar, Tandobago, Golarchi, Karyo Ghanoor, Pangrio, Nando, and Khoski.
Conclusion
The exploitation surrounding the 10500 BISP March payment is a stain on the noble intentions of the program. Urgent action is needed to root out corruption, protect vulnerable beneficiaries, and ensure that the funds allocated for their welfare reach them in full. Only through comprehensive reform and enhanced oversight can we uphold the integrity of programs designed to uplift the most marginalized in our society.