Prisoners in Punjab jails to be registered for BISP

LAHORE: The authorities in Punjab have initiated the process of registering prisoners under the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP). This decision, aimed at extending social welfare to the incarcerated population, marks a significant step towards inclusivity within the welfare system.

The registration process, which commenced across all jails in Lahore, has already seen considerable traction, with approximately 1,000 individuals enlisted thus far, according to the Inspector General Punjab Prisons Mian Farooq Nazir.

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IG Nazir also affirmed that around 10,000 prisoners and staff members earning less than 60,000 will be enrolled in the program. One of the notable benefits awaiting those registered under BISP is a 50 per cent discount on purchases from utility stores within the prison premises, ensuring access to essential commodities at subsidized rates.

With more than 50,000 individuals currently incarcerated in Punjab’s jails, the decision to include them in the BISP fold will aide in reforming and addressing the needs of marginalised populations. To facilitate the registration process, teams from the BISP have been establishing camps within prison compounds, streamlining the enrollment procedure for eligible individuals.

This move has been lauded as a progressive step towards fostering social inclusion and providing support to vulnerable segments of society, even within correctional facilities. As the registration drive gains momentum, it is anticipated to positively impact the lives of thousands of inmates and staff members across Punjab’s prison network.