Proposal to hand over Benazir Income Support Program to provinces

ISLAMABAD: A proposal to hand over Benazir Income Support Program to provinces is under consideration.

Sources say that behind-the-scenes negotiations are underway between the government and the coalition party PPP regarding the proposed constitutional amendment. Three to four drafts have been prepared for the proposed constitutional amendment and amendments to some laws, and consultations are underway on these drafts on a daily basis.

Sources have said that in the proposed constitutional amendment, along with the new NFC award, the issue of canals is also under discussion, while a proposal to hand over Benazir Income Support Program to provinces is under consideration.

According to sources, the federation has refused to bear the budgetary burden of Benazir Income Support Program.

According to government sources, the federal government has taken the position that the federal government is bearing a burden of more than 700 billion rupees annually on the account of this program.

The federal government is of the view that after paying off defense, loans, and interest, the federal government has nothing left. The provinces should shoulder the burden of the Benazir Income Support Program themselves and allocate funds as well.

Sources further state that the coalition partner, the People’s Party, has not yet expressed its willingness to accept these government proposals.