Exploring Challenges Within Social Security Nets: A Review of the Benazir Income Support Program

Abstract

The study used a qualitative research design to explore structural challenges within social security nets. It focused on the Benazir Income Support Program, Pakistan’s flagship social protection initiative. This program is designed to alleviate poverty and empower women by providing financial stipends to female heads of households. The study collected data from BISP beneficiaries and officials through in-depth interviews. To select a representative sample, the study used purposive sampling. A sample of 60 participants included 40 beneficiaries, four deputy directors, four assistant directors, and twelve Data Entry Executives from four districts across Balochistan. The data was analyzed using the thematic analysis method. The findings reveal six structural challenges the Benazir Income Support Program faced: targeting and identification challenges, administrative and operational challenges, financial and resource constraints, transparency and accountability issues, political and social issues, and technological challenges. Based on these findings, the study recommended comprehensive structural reforms. Suggestions include strengthening institutional capacity with increased staffing, establishing independent monitoring and audit units to enhance transparency, investing in robust and accessible grievance redress systems, and creating transparent, merit-based recruitment and beneficiary selection processes.