The Making of Benazir Income Support Program

The Benazir Income Support Program (BISP), introduced in 2008-09, is a unique cash support scheme for economically stressed families. Its uniqueness arises from several facets. The cash transfers are provided only to women aged over 18 years and have been ever married. It is unconditional and aimed at supplementing income as opposed to alleviating poverty. It was politically neutral, given that the facility to identify potential beneficiaries was extended to all parliamentarians, irrespective of party affiliation. A set of filters, applied electronically, ensured objectivity in beneficiary selection. Disbursement mechanism was automated to ensure minimal leakage. This paper outlines the process of the preparatory work that went into designing BISP – the conceptual debates, the beneficiary identification and disbursement procedures, etc. – involving a combination of high quality research with political decision making. It also addresses the debates surrounding BISP, cites independent empirical studies that show that the parliamentarian-based beneficiary selection mechanism was efficient and equitable and did indeed cover the deserving, and also responds to the variety of criticisms. ______

Factors Affecting Reading Culture in Elementary Schools of Naushahro Feroze

Among the four skills of a language, reading is a very important skill. It enhances understanding, knowledge and information. For a student, reading is very essential for concept building. Reading develops in a certain environment. Without the culture of reading, one cannot promote one's skill of reading. Thus to explore the factors affecting reading culture, a research study was carried out in Naushahro Feroze, using qualitative research method. The research was conducted through a case study methodology. Two secondary schools were selected for this research; a public school and a private school. Data was gathered through interview questionnaire and through observation of schools in terms of available reading facilities. The research participants were six students from grade six, seven and eight of both schools. Besides students, there were parents of students and six class teachers from both schools. The condition of the public school was not good which will be discussed in chapter regarding reading culture. However, the private school had somewhat reading culture. Regarding home conditions, it was known that some parents provided reading material to their children while some could not afford due to their economic issues. It was found that lack of resources and facilities regarding reading and frequent usage of electronic devices, such as mobile phones and computers, were the impeding factors for the development of reading culture. On the other hand, it was pointed out that the establishment of libraries, provision of student-friendly reading material and careful parenting, in terms of giving opportunities and facilities for reading, were the facilitating factors for development of reading culture. To sum up, it was explored that there was no reading culture in school and in society. It was strongly suggested that all stakeholders needed to take responsibility for the development of reading culture. In this regard, the government should establish libraries in each school and town. It should provide books on discount to students so that they can purchase and read books.