Gaudencio Hernandez Jr., Alternate Executive Director, Asian Development Bank (ADB) called on Enver Baig, Chairman Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) here on Thursday and discussed matters of mutual co-operation for the benefit of the poorest of the poor population of Pakistan.
During the meeting, Chairman BISP, Enver Baig gave a comprehensive briefing to the visiting ADB Alternate Executive Director on functions and operations of BISP. Enver Baig said that BISP is venturing into a new era where beneficiaries will not only benefit from cash transfer schemes through transparent payment mechanisms, but also from vocational and technical training. He apprised the about the vision and efforts of BISP to take people out of poverty through skill development initiative.
He told the ADB official about recent developments in BISP especially regarding Waseela-e-Rozgar. He said that under the new government, BISP is aiming to turn Waseela-e-Rozgar into an effective graduation programme.
Enver Baig also commended the efforts of ADB for poverty alleviation and stated that he is looking forward for a long-term relationship with the Bank, adding that BISP will continue to provide support through un-conditional cash transfer to its beneficiaries with the key objective to graduate as many families out of the poverty trap and make them stand on their own feet.
BISP will also expand the un-conditional cash transfer to more identified families gradually. ADB has signed 430 million dollars program with government for BISP which will be utilised in providing cash transfer, designing and implementing graduation programs and technical assistance. Hernandez appreciated the design and efforts of BISP and the devotion of current government towards the welfare of poor people. He offered full support to Chairman BISP in designing a set-up for improving co-operation between ADB and BISP through improved knowledge sharing mechanisms.-PR