The government, considering the need to enhance financial and digital inclusion, would provide around 30,000 smart phones with Rs 250 balance per month among the beneficiaries of Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP).
The smart phones having 3G services would be provided in un-served and under-served areas of Balochistan and Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) under a programme which would be funded by Universal Service Fund (USF) as the government has upgraded its scope. The distribution of smart phones among the BISP beneficiaries is in line with the launch of upcoming broadband projects for providing 3G services in Balochistan and FATA.
The beneficiaries would also be given Rs 250 balance every month besides the training to use different applications to increase mobile adaptability, including a knowhow of e-commerce etc. They would get information about the amount they are receiving from the government which would mitigate the fraud chances.
Sources at Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunications on Sunday said that according to latest reports, Pakistan scored 69 per cent on financial and digital inclusion and remained at 14th position among 26 emerging or third world countries.
The sources said the pilot project would cover Sibi, Harnai, Barkhan, Loralai-Zhob, Musakhel, Sherani-Kalat, Kharan/Washuk, Kohlu Dera Bugti, Kohistan and entire FATA with all seven agencies.
The BISP has already launched e-commerce facility for the promotion of handicraft skills of BISP beneficiaries, aimed at providing them better access for their products in national and international markets.
The objective is to alleviate poverty in rural and semi-urban areas of Pakistan by supporting rural based micro and small enterprises. Market access to the products of marginalised segments will contribute in their welfare and the effects of such measures will also give boost to the economy of Pakistan, the sources said.
Regarding USF board’s meeting, the sources said, it has taken into consideration important upcoming projects, including the approval of 40 telecentres, small lots and establishment of computer labs initially in 100 girls’ schools being run under Islamabad Capital Territory administration.
According to official documents, the USF has been mandated to provide telecommunication coverage to un-served and under-served areas across Pakistan. Different programmes have been designed and multiple projects have been undertaken to achieve the goals set forth by federal government.
Meanwhile, a pilot phase of BISP’s new poverty survey started from Haripur where desk approach (self-registration) has been adopted. The BISP has set up 52 operational counters at 31 operational sites in collaboration with NADRA. Till date, 25 per cent of the expected registration has been completed and the process is expected to be completed by October.