Benazir taleemi
The Benazir Taleemi Wazaif program is a Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) initiative aimed at promoting education among children of active beneficiaries of the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP). The program incentivizes families to enroll their children in schools and colleges, reducing dropout rates and ensuring retention up to the higher secondary level.
Objectives
The primary objectives of the Benazir Taleemi Wazaif program are:
- Awareness: Promote the long-term importance of education among BISP beneficiary families.
- Enrollment: Increase the number of children enrolled in primary, secondary, and higher secondary education.
- Attendance: Improve regular school attendance among beneficiary children.
- Retention: Reduce the dropout rates in schools.
Stakeholders
Key stakeholders involved in the program include:
- BISP: The primary executing body.
- Provincial Education Departments: Collaborators in data collection and program implementation.
- Schools: Both public and private institutions where children are enrolled.
- Donors: Financial supporters of the program.
Background
The Benazir Taleemi Wazaif program began as a pilot in five districts in November 2012. By 2015, it expanded to 32 districts, reaching 50 districts in 2018. By January 2020, it covered 100 districts and by July 2020, it was implemented nationwide across Pakistan.
Key Processes
Micro Supply Capacity Assessment (MSCA)
Data on the capacity of public schools is collected from provincial education departments to identify enrollment capacity, infrastructural conditions, accessibility, and catchment areas. The capacity assessment for private schools is done during child enrollment.
Social Mobilization
BISP field teams visit various localities to raise awareness about the importance of education and motivate families to enroll their children in schools. They also address reasons for non-compliance and encourage attendance.
Registration and Enrollment
After the MSCA, the registration process begins, targeting potential beneficiaries. Local and media campaigns are conducted to inform families about registration centers and tehsil offices. Successful registration makes the families and their children eligible for the program.
Admission and Attendance Compliance
Cash transfers are conditional on compliance with admission and attendance requirements. The program monitors compliance to ensure families receive benefits. Non-compliance results in suspension of benefits.
Case Management
Beneficiaries can lodge complaints through field offices. Quick resolution of these complaints enhances program efficiency and builds trust among beneficiaries.
Eligibility Criteria
The criteria for enrollment in the Benazir Taleemi Wazaif program include:
- Active BISP Kafalat Beneficiary: The family must be an active recipient of BISP support.
- Age Criteria: Children aged 4-12 years for primary education, 8-18 years for secondary education, and 13-22 years for higher secondary education.
Enrollment Process
Eligible children must be admitted to a school or college in any district. The enrollment process involves visiting enrollment camps or field offices with:
- CNIC of the beneficiary
- B-form/CRC issued by NADRA
- School/College admission slip verified by the teacher
Co-Responsibilities
Admission Co-responsibility
Children are verified once during registration. The first quarter payment is released after enrollment.
Attendance Co-responsibility
Children must maintain at least 70% attendance each quarter to continue receiving cash transfers.
Benefit Amount
The stipend rates for enrolled children are as follows:
| Education Level | Per Boy per Quarter (Rs.) | Per Girl per Quarter (Rs.) |
| Primary | 1,500 | 2,000 |
| Secondary | 2,500 | 3,000 |
| Higher Secondary | 3,500 | 4,000 |
Additionally, a one-time graduation bonus of Rs. 3,000 is awarded to girls who complete primary education.
Enrollment Statistics
Since its inception, the program has enrolled over 12 million children:
| Education Level | No. of Boys | No. of Girls | Total Children |
| Primary | 4,853,113 | 4,453,211 | 9,306,324 |
| Secondary | 1,323,955 | 1,082,904 | 2,406,859 |
| Higher Secondary | 156,851 | 140,810 | 297,661 |
| Total | 6,333,919 | 5,676,925 | 12,010,844 |
Conclusion
The Benazir Taleemi Wazaif program plays a crucial role in enhancing educational outcomes for children from underprivileged families by providing financial incentives to ensure their enrollment, attendance, and retention in schools.