Are you a new mother in Pakistan? Do you worry about your child’s health? The government has a new plan to help you. It is called the Benazir Nashonuma Programme. This program helps women and children across the country. It gives them money and food. It is designed to make a real difference.
Millions of families struggle with nutrition. They cannot afford healthy food. This can cause health problems for children. It can lead to a condition called stunting. Stunting means a child does not grow to their full potential. The Benazir Nashonuma Programme wants to stop this. It focuses on the most important time for a child’s growth. This is the first 1,000 days of their life.
What is the Benazir Nashonuma Programme?
This is a special health initiative. It is for mothers and young children. The program is part of the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP). It helps people who are struggling financially. It provides a simple solution. It gives you money to buy nutritious food. It also gives you special food supplements. This helps your child get all the vitamins they need. The goal is to ensure every child gets a healthy start. It is a big step towards a healthier future for Pakistan.
Who Can Get Help? The Simple Eligibility Rules
The program is very specific. It is designed to help those who need it most. You must meet a few simple requirements. First, you must be a Pakistani citizen. You must also be registered with the Benazir Income Support Programme. The program’s agents will check this for you. Your poverty score is very important. It must be below a certain level.
Three groups of people can apply:
- Pregnant women.
- Breastfeeding mothers.
- Children under two years old.
You must visit a special BISP center to register. The staff will check your details. This process is very easy. They will guide you through every step.
What Are the Benefits?
This program gives two main types of help. It provides financial assistance. It also provides nutritional support.
- Quarterly Cash Stipend: You receive money every three months. This money is to help you buy nutritious food for yourself and your child. The amount is different for boys and girls. For each boy child, you get a stipend of Rs. 1,500 every three months. For each girl child, you get a stipend of Rs. 2,000 every three months. This extra money for girls is to encourage their health and growth.
- Special Food Supplements: You also get free food supplements. These are special packets of fortified food. They are rich in vitamins and minerals. They are designed to help a child’s brain and body develop properly. These supplements are an important part of the program.
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How Do You Apply for the Programme?
The application process is simple. It is not complicated at all.
- Visit a Health Facility: Go to your nearest health center that is a partner of the BISP. They will have a special counter for this program. You can find a list of these centers on the official BISP website.
- Bring Your Documents: Make sure you have your national ID card (CNIC) with you. For your child, you need their B-form from NADRA.
- Get Enrolled: A staff member will check your documents. They will take your details and register you. They will also do a quick health check of you and your child.
- Receive Your Card: Once enrolled, you will receive a special card. This card is how you will get your cash stipend and food supplements.
It is important to visit the center regularly. They will track your child’s growth. This helps make sure the program is working.
Key Program Details in a Nutshell
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Program Name | Benazir Nashonuma Programme |
| Main Goal | Prevent stunting and malnutrition in children |
| Target Group | Pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and children under 2 |
| Key Benefits | Quarterly cash stipend and free nutritious food supplements |
| Eligibility | Registered with BISP, specific poverty score |
| Application Method | In-person registration at partner BISP centers |
This program is a crucial step for Pakistan. It helps build a healthier generation. It focuses on the very beginning of life. It gives mothers the tools they need to succeed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: How often will I receive the cash stipend? You will receive the money every three months. This is a quarterly payment.
Q2: What is “stunting”? Stunting is a health condition. It happens when a child does not get enough nutrients. It causes a child to be too short for their age. The program helps prevent this.
Q3: What if my child is over two years old? The program is specifically for children under two. This is because the first 1,000 days are the most critical for development. You can still apply if you are a pregnant or nursing mother.
Q4: Do I have to pay to get the supplements or stipend? No. This is a government program. You do not have to pay any fee. All services and benefits are completely free. If anyone asks for money, it is a scam. Report them to the authorities.
Q5: What if I am not registered with the BISP? You must first register with BISP. You can visit a BISP center to get enrolled in their survey. Once you are in the survey, you can apply for this program.
