Investigating Structural and Administrative Factors Affecting Benazir Income Support Program’s Role in Poverty Alleviation

Abstract

The study used a mixed-methods approach to investigate structural and administrative constraints that undermine the Benazir Income Support Program's ability to achieve its key objective of poverty alleviation. For this purpose, quantitative data were collected from 320 beneficiaries across four districts of Baluchistan, while qualitative data were gathered through key informant interviews with BISP officers and local government officials. The statistical information was analyzed using frequency distributions, percentages, and correlations, while qualitative data were thematically analyzed. The findings of the study reveal close and strong negative associations between structural and administrative factors, such as corruption, inaccurate targeting, political interference, poor monitoring, insufficient financial stipends, and delays in funds disbursement, and household welfare indicators, such as income stability, consumption, education, and healthcare. The qualitative information complements these relations. Based on the findings, the study recommended reforms in beneficiary targeting, monitoring, and funds disbursement, as well as increasing funds to keep pace with rising inflation. By addressing structural and administrative issues, BISP can become an effective social safety net, reducing poverty in Balochistan in general and Pakistan in Particular.

Keywords: Benazir Income Support Program (BISP), Poverty Alleviation, Structural Constraints, Administrative Weaknesses, Targeting Accuracy, Corruption, Fund Disbursement, Balochistan.