Neelum: The Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) Regional Director recently concluded a three days comprehensive visit to the District Neelum located at the LoC in AJK. The visit aimed to monitor the field activities of tehsil offices of Aathmuqam, Sharda and Kail regarding the delivery of comprehensive facilities, including Benazir Kafaalat, Taleemi Wazaif, dynamic surveys, program registration, fund disbursement, Nashonuma grants, and prompt resolution of bank or NADRA-related issues. He also visited Benazir Nashonuma Center, established at Tehsil level in District Neelum. On this occasion Mr. Nadeem Baig head of field offices AJK & GB of WFP briefed on the existing status of BISP Nashonuma Center recently established in Neelum. He shared a comprehensive plan & package for the poorest segment of the society has been prepared and is ready for implantation under BISP Nashonuma.
During the visit, the BISP Regional Director, Dr. Abdul Aziz Qurashi, interacted with BISP beneficiaries, staff, and local officials to gain firsthand insights into the operations and impact of the centers. Dr. Qurashi stressed that transparency will be ensured at any cost and directed to the whole team of BISP Neelum for monitoring to ensure transparent disbursement. He said to the beneficiaries that they should receive their entire amount and not to forget their payment receipt. If a person demands any kind of deduction or fee for payment, beneficiaries should immediately report to BISP toll free help line 0800-26477 and contact the nearest BISP Tehsil office. He also mentioned that, within a short span, BISP, in collaboration with partner organizations and stakeholders, initiated numerous new projects. Addressing concerns raised during the distribution of quarterly funds under the sponsorship program, where women complained of not receiving the full amount, BISP introduced a new banking system for payments. Initially handled by only two banks, the country has now been divided into 15 clusters, with more than eight banks assigned to reduce complaints of deductions.
The Director had the opportunity to engage directly with beneficiaries of the Benazir Nashonuma program. Through heartfelt conversations, beneficiaries shared stories of empowerment and transformation, emphasizing the positive impact of the program on their lives. The Director conducted a comprehensive assessment of the center’s facilities, including its infrastructure, equipment, and service delivery mechanisms. The visit affirmed the center’s dedication to maintaining high standards of quality and efficiency in its operations. The visit underscored the importance of partnerships in advancing the program’s objectives and reaching more beneficiaries in need.
Reflecting on the visit, Dr. Abdul Aziz Qurashi remarked, “I am inspired by the dedication and passion demonstrated by the team at the Benazir Nashonuma Center in District Neelum. Their unwavering commitment to serving the most vulnerable members of our society is truly commendable”. The visit concluded with a commitment to further strengthen the Benazir Nashonuma program’s reach and impact across District Neelum. The BISP Regional Director reiterated the organization’s steadfast commitment to empowering marginalized communities and enhancing their socio-economic well-being.