The federal government has increased budgetary allocations for the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) up to Rs593 billion, registering a 29 per cent increase as compared to the last year.

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said this while presenting the annual budget during the National Assembly session on Wednesday.

The number of beneficiaries who were receiving quarterly stipends under the Benazir Kafaalat scheme has been increased from 9.3 million up to 10 million while the stipend amount will also be increased keeping in view the prevailing inflation.

Around 100,000 more children will be enrolled in the Benazir Education stipend scheme increasing the overall stipend number up to 10.4 million.

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In the next fiscal year, 500,000 more families will be included in the Benazir Nashonuma Programme which is aimed at prevention of stunted growth in children.

In order to promote economic inclusion and improve the financial condition of the people, the BISP is introducing the Poverty Graduation and Skill Development programme. It is also introducing a Hybrid Social Protection Programme for the financial independence of the poor segments.