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Benazir Nashonuma Program 2025: Eligibility Criteria and Registration Procedure
The Benazir Nashonuma Program is a transformative initiative by the Government of Pakistan aimed at combating malnutrition and promoting the health and development of children under two years of age, as well as supporting pregnant and lactating mothers. As part of the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), this program addresses critical nutritional deficiencies, particularly in low-income families, to ensure healthier pregnancies and early childhood development. With malnutrition affecting 40.2% of children in Pakistan, the program provides financial assistance, health services, and nutritional guidance to create a brighter, healthier future for mothers and their children.
What is the Benazir Nashonuma Program 2025?
Launched to tackle the high rates of stunting, underweight children, and malnutrition in Pakistan, the Benazir Nashonuma Program focuses on the critical first 1,000 days of a child’s life—from conception to two years of age. This period is pivotal for physical and mental development, and proper nutrition during this time can prevent long-term health issues like anemia, polio, and developmental delays. The program provides conditional cash transfers, specialized nutritious food, free health check-ups, and awareness sessions to eligible families. Currently operational in 158 districts with 512 Nashonuma Centers, including mobile units, the program is expanding to reach more underserved communities across Pakistan by 2025.
Key Objectives of the Program
Prevent Stunting and Malnutrition: Address chronic malnutrition and stunting in children under two years old.
Support Maternal Health: Provide financial and medical support to pregnant and lactating women to ensure healthy pregnancies.
Promote Health Awareness: Offer guidance on nutrition, breastfeeding, and child immunization through regular sessions.
Empower Low-Income Families: Provide financial assistance to alleviate economic burdens and improve access to healthcare and nutrition.
Eligibility Criteria for the Benazir Nashonuma Program
To ensure that aid reaches those who need it most, the Benazir Nashonuma Program has specific eligibility criteria. These requirements target financially vulnerable women and families, particularly those already enrolled in the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP). Below are the key eligibility criteria for 2025:
Enrollment in BISP Kafalat Program:
Applicants must be active beneficiaries of the Benazir Kafalat Program, a BISP initiative that provides financial assistance to low-income families. This ensures that only families facing economic hardship are included.
Proof of enrollment in the Kafalat Program is required during registration.
Pregnant or Lactating Women:
The program is designed for pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers, as they play a critical role in the health of their children during the first 1,000 days.
Women must provide medical documentation, such as a pregnancy test report or confirmation of lactation, to verify eligibility.
Children Under 23 Months:
The program supports children aged 0 to 23 months from eligible families. Parents must provide a child’s B-form or birth certificate issued by NADRA for verification.
Poverty Score Requirement:
Families must have a poverty score below 32, as determined by the National Socio-Economic Registry (NSER). This score identifies households living below the poverty line, ensuring aid is directed to those in need.
Residency in Pakistan:
Applicants must be residents of Pakistan. The program is accessible nationwide, with Nashonuma Centers established in every district and tehsil.
Exclusions:
Government employees, their spouses, or families with substantial land or property assets are not eligible, as they are considered to have access to other forms of support.
Households with a monthly income exceeding PKR 60,000 are typically excluded, though specific income thresholds may vary based on regional economic conditions.
Additional Requirements
To receive benefits, beneficiaries must comply with program conditions, such as:
Attending regular medical check-ups at Nashonuma Centers.
Participating in health and nutrition awareness sessions.
Ensuring children receive timely vaccinations and consume specialized, nutritious food provided by the program.
Financial Assistance Provided
The Benazir Nashonuma Program offers conditional cash transfers to support the nutritional and health needs of mothers and children. The financial assistance includes:
PKR 2,000 per quarter for pregnant and lactating women.
PKR 2,000 per quarter for male children under 23 months.
PKR 2,500 per quarter for female children under 23 months, encouraging gender equity in nutrition support.
PKR 1,000 per medical check-up as an incentive for regular health monitoring.
These funds are disbursed through secure channels, such as HBL bank accounts or ATMs at Nashonuma Centers, ensuring easy access for beneficiaries.
Registration Procedure for the Benazir Nashonuma Program 2025
The registration process for the Benazir Nashonuma Program is designed to be straightforward and accessible, with no fees charged for enrollment. Below is a step-by-step guide to registering in 2025:
Step 1: Verify Eligibility
Confirm that you meet the eligibility criteria, including being a BISP Kafalat beneficiary, a pregnant or lactating woman, or a parent of a child under 23 months.
Check your poverty score through the NSER database by visiting a BISP office or using the 8171 web portal https://www.bisp.gov.pk/. Send your CNIC number to 8171 via SMS to verify eligibility.
Step 2: Gather Required Documents
To complete registration, you’ll need the following documents:
CNIC (Computerized National Identity Card): Valid identification for the applicant.
Child’s B-form or Birth Certificate: Issued by NADRA for children under 23 months.
Pregnancy Test Report: For pregnant women, verified by a medical professional.
Vaccination EPI Card: For children, confirming TT vaccination status (especially in the second trimester for pregnant women).
Proof of BISP Kafalat Enrollment: Documentation showing active participation in the Kafalat Program.
Step 3: Visit a Nashonuma Center
Locate the nearest Nashonuma Center or Tehsil Headquarters (THQ) hospital with a BISP help desk. These centers are available in 158 districts across Pakistan.
Bring all required documents and undergo a medical check-up, which is mandatory for registration.
Step 4: Complete the Registration Process
At the Nashonuma Center, a BISP representative will verify your documents and NSER status.
Fill out the registration form with accurate details, including your CNIC, household information, and medical records.
Upon successful verification, you’ll receive a confirmation message from BISP, and a card may be issued for cash withdrawals.
Step 5: Receive Financial Assistance
After registration, funds will be transferred quarterly to your designated bank account or can be withdrawn via ATMs at Nashonuma Centers.
Attend regular check-ups and awareness sessions to remain compliant and continue receiving benefits.
Alternative Registration Options
Online Registration: Visit the official BISP website (www.bisp.gov.pk) or the 8171 web portal, enter your CNIC number, and follow the prompts to check eligibility and register. Note that online registration may require a follow-up visit to a Nashonuma Center for verification.
Mobile App: Download the Benazir Nashonuma app from the Google Play Store to access registration forms, nutritional guidance, and health updates.
SMS Registration: Send your CNIC number to 8171 to check eligibility and receive further instructions.
Important Notes
No Registration Fees: Registration is free. Report any requests for payment to the BISP helpline at 0800-26477.
Helpline Support: For queries or issues, contact the Nashonuma Program helpline at 051-9210047 or email [email protected].
Aaghosh Program Transition: In some regions, the Nashonuma Program has transitioned to the Aaghosh Program. Verify with your local BISP office to ensure you’re registering for the correct initiative.
Benefits of the Benazir Nashonuma Program
The program offers more than just financial aid. By focusing on maternal and child health, it provides:
Nutritional Support: Access to specialized nutritious food to combat malnutrition.
Free Medical Check-ups: Regular health monitoring to ensure healthy pregnancies and child development.
Vaccination Services: Free immunizations to protect children from diseases like polio and anemia.
Health Education: Awareness sessions on breastfeeding, complementary feeding, and child nutrition.
Economic Relief: Quarterly cash transfers to ease financial burdens for low-income families.
Why the Benazir Nashonuma Program Matters
With Pakistan ranking second globally for child malnutrition, the Benazir Nashonuma Program is a critical step toward improving public health. By targeting the root causes of stunting and nutritional deficiencies, the program empowers women and ensures healthier outcomes for the next generation. Its expansion to 512 Nashonuma Centers, including mobile units, and plans for 50 new centers by the end of 2025 demonstrate the government’s commitment to reaching underserved communities.
Conclusion
The Benazir Nashonuma Program 2025 is a lifeline for pregnant and lactating women and families with young children in Pakistan. By meeting the eligibility criteria and following the simple registration process, eligible women can access financial assistance, medical care, and nutritional support to ensure healthier pregnancies and child development. With no registration fees and accessible Nashonuma Centers nationwide, the program is designed to be inclusive and user-friendly. If you meet the criteria, visit your nearest Nashonuma Center, verify your eligibility through the 8171 portal, or download the BISP app to start benefiting today. For further assistance, contact the BISP Toll Free helpline number at 0800-26477. Together, let’s build a healthier future for Pakistan’s mothers and children.
