KARACHI: The Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) has proposed a partnership with the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) to empower low-income families through skill development. The collaboration, under the Benazir Hunarmand Program, aims to align training with labor market needs and create economic opportunities for beneficiaries.
During a meeting at the KCCI, Zulfiqar Ali Shaikh, Director General of BISP Sindh, suggested signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to facilitate this partnership. He emphasized the need for input from the business community to ensure that BISP beneficiaries receive appropriate training to enhance employability and self-reliance.
BISP currently supports 10 million families in Pakistan, including 2.7 million in Sindh, through cash stipends. However, Shaikh noted that a more sustainable approach is needed to address rising poverty. He envisions the partnership with KCCI as a pivotal step in connecting vulnerable households to economic opportunities, which could also alleviate skilled labor shortages in the industrial sector.
Additional Secretary BISP Dr. Tahir Noor highlighted the government's allocation of Rs 720 billion for BISP this year, with Rs 13,500 stipends for eligible women. He stressed the importance of a shift from welfare to empowerment, as 45 percent of households are below the poverty line. The Benazir Hunarmand Program, a pilot project, aims to train individuals from low-income families according to market needs, equipping them with starter kits for entrepreneurship or employment.
Dr. Noor called for KCCI's assistance in identifying industry demands and endorsing reputable training institutions. He emphasized that this initiative is crucial for reducing dependency on stipends and fostering productive citizens who contribute to the economy.
KCCI President Muhammad Jawed Bilwani expressed strong support for the collaboration, advocating for strict oversight to ensure funds reach deserving recipients. He praised the transition from welfare to empowerment, considering it a necessary strategy to combat poverty.
Bilwani also addressed challenges faced by Karachi's industries, such as high electricity tariffs and lack of skilled manpower. He affirmed KCCI's commitment to sharing industry trends and expanding the pilot program to benefit more communities. Bilwani concluded by noting that economically active individuals from BISP households can have a positive impact on entire communities.