ROLE OF BENAZIR INCOME SUPPORT PRORGAM (BISP)

IN POVERTY ALLEVIATION IN DISTRCIT MANSEHARA

BY:

AMINA IMDAD

M.Phil Scholar
Roll No.41872

DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMICS
HAZARA UNIVERSITY MANSEHRA
2018
ROLE OF BENAZIR INCOME SUPPORT PRORGAM (BISP)
IN POVERTY ALLEVIATION IN DISTRCIT MANSEHARA

A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of

Master of Philosophy

Submitted By:

AMINA IMDAD
Roll No. 41872

Supervisor: Professor Dr. Misbah Nosheen

DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMICS
HAZARA UNIVERSITY MANSEHRA
 2018
DEDICATION
This research effort is dedicated to my beloved father Principal Imdad Hussain Shah
(late), May his soul rest in peace.
 DECLARATION
I, Amina Imdad, Roll No: 41872, a student of M.Phil at Hazara University, Mansehra, do
hereby solemnly declare that the thesis entitled, “THE ROLE OF BENAZIR INCOME
SUPPORT PROGRAM IN THE POVERTY ALLEVIATION:A SPECIAL REFRECNE
OF DISTRCIT MANSEHARA” submitted by me in partial fulfillment of M.Phil degree in
Economics, is my original work and has not been submitted or published earlier or shall not, in
future be submitted by me for obtaining any other degree from this or any other university or
institution.

Signature of the student

AMINA IMDAD
 ACKNOWLEDGMENT
The writing of this dissertation has been a fascinating process and personal experience
in the recent past. Many people contributed to this process; without their support it
would have been impossible to complete this dissertation. Therefore, I want to take
the opportunity to express my gratitude in this section.

At the outset, I would like to thank Allah Almighty for His countless blessings onto
me.

I owe a special thanks to Professor Dr. Misbah Nosheen for extending his continuous
support, unflinching encouragement and guidance from the very early stages of this
research. She served as my supervisor and helped me in the most critical steps of my
life as M Phil student.

The most importantly my heartfelt thanks go to my beloved mother, my father late

Imdad Hussain Shah (May his soul rest in peace) and my brothers Asad Imdad and
Azher Imdad for believing in me for achieving such a glorious task. Thanks my dear
parents, for actively supporting and encouraging my decisions, for understanding and
knowing my silent thoughts.

I also appreciate the generous help of all the respondents who participated in my
survey. The responses of all respondents encourage me to carry on study for
further research. Therefore, I am thankful to all participants of the study.

I would like to thanks Hazara University Mansehra for providing me such type of
nice platform.
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

LIST OF TABLES..................................................................................................VIII
LIST OF FIGURES...................................................................................................IX
ABSTRACT..................................................................................................................1
CHAPTER 1..................................................................................................................2
INTRODUCTION........................................................................................................2
1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY................................................................2
1.1.1 BENAZIR INCOME SUPPORT PROGRAM MISSION (BISP)................2
1.1.2 Component of Benazir income support program...........................................4
1.2 AIM AND OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY.......................................................7
1.3 SIGNIFICANCE OF STUDY..............................................................................8
1.4 STRUCTURE OF THESIS..................................................................................9
1.5 SUMMARY OF THE CHAPTER.....................................................................10
CHAPTER 2................................................................................................................11
LITERATURE REVIEW..........................................................................................11
2.1 INTRODUCTION..............................................................................................11
2.2 BENAZIR INCOME SUPPORT PROGRAM (BISP).......................................11
2.3 RELEVANT STUDIES ON BENAZIR INCOME SUPPORT PROGRAM....12
2.4 SOCIAL SAFETY PROGRAM.........................................................................13
2.5 ROLE OF SOCIAL SAFETY PROGRAMS IN POVERTY ALLEVIATION 14
2.6 RESEARCH GAP..............................................................................................20
2.7 SUMMARY OF THE CHAPTER.....................................................................21
CHAPTER 3................................................................................................................22
MODEL AND METHODOLOGY...........................................................................22
3.1 INTRODUCTION..............................................................................................22
3.2 OPERATIONAL DEFINITIONS OF DEFINED VARIABLES.......................22
3.3 MODEL SPECIFICATION...............................................................................28
3.3.1 HYPOTHESES............................................................................................29
3.4 CONCEPTUAL APPROACH OF THE STUDY..............................................29
3.5 RESEARCH PHILOSOPHY.............................................................................30
3.6 RESEARCH DESIGN........................................................................................33
3.7 RESEARCH STRATEGY.................................................................................34
3.8 POPULATION AND SAMPLING OF STUDY...............................................35
 3.9 RESEARCH INSTRUMENT AND MEASUREMENT SCALE......................37
3.10 MAIN STUDY.................................................................................................41
3.11 ETHICAL CONSIDERATION........................................................................41
3.12 SUMMARY OF THE CHAPTER...................................................................42
CHAPTER 4................................................................................................................43
RESULTS....................................................................................................................43
4.1 INTRODUCTION..............................................................................................43
4.2 PRELIMINARY EXAMINATION OF DATA.................................................43
4.3 CODING.............................................................................................................44
4.4 DEMOGRAPHIC INFORMATION..................................................................44
4.5 SCREENING OF DATA...................................................................................51
4.6 DESCRIPTIVE STATISTICS...........................................................................53
4.7 LINEARITY OF DATA.....................................................................................54
4.8 RELIABILITY...................................................................................................56
4.9 REGRESSION ANALYSIS...............................................................................56
4.10 SUMMARY OF HYPOTHESES TESTING...................................................58
4.11 SUMMARY OF THE CHAPTER...................................................................60
CHAPTER 5................................................................................................................61
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS.....................................................................61
5.1 INTRODUCTION..............................................................................................61
5.2 RESULTS DISCUSSION..................................................................................61
5.3 IMPLICATIONS OF STUDY...........................................................................65
5.4 RECOMMENDATIONS...................................................................................66
5.5 FUTURE DIRECTION......................................................................................66
5.6 LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY.....................................................................67
5.7 SUMMARY OF THE CHAPTER.....................................................................67
REFERENCES...........................................................................................................68
APPENDIX (A)...........................................................................................................78
 LIST OF TABLES

Table 2.1: Literature review on BISP..........................................................................17

Table 3.1: Main characteristics of positivism and interpretivist approach.................31
YTable 3.2: Selected steps for research.......................................................................35
Table 3.3: Response rate..............................................................................................36
YTable 3.4:Sample size...............................................................................................37
Table 3.5:Items relations with the hypotheses………………………………………40
Table 4.1: Coding.........................................................................................................44
Table 4.2: Demographic information...........................................................................44
Table 4.3: Age..............................................................................................................45
Table 4.4: Gender.........................................................................................................46
Table 4.5: Marital status...............................................................................................47
Table 4.6: Education....................................................................................................48
Table 4.7: Receiving years...........................................................................................49
Table 4.8: Dependents .................................................................................................50
Table 4.9: District.........................................................................................................51
Table 4.10: Tehsil.........................................................................................................51
Table 4.11: Missing values..........................................................................................52
Table 4.12: Outliers......................................................................................................53
Table 4.13: Descriptive statistics ................................................................................53
Table 4.14: Pearson correlation....................................................................................55
Table 4.15: Reliability..................................................................................................56
Table 4.16: Anova........................................................................................................57
Table 4.17: Model summary........................................................................................57
Table 4.18: Regression values......................................................................................58
Table 4.19: Summary of hypotheses testing ...............................................................59
 LIST OF FIGURES

Figure3.1: Vicious circle of poverty ...........................................................................23

Figure3.2: Female labor participation .........................................................................24
Figure3.3: Research philosophy ..................................................................................32
Figure3.4:Research design...........................................................................................34
Figure3.5: Research strategy........................................................................................35
Figure4.1: Age..............................................................................................................45
Figure4.2: Marital status .............................................................................................47
Figure4.3: Education ...................................................................................................48
Figure4.4: Receiving years .........................................................................................49
Figure4.5: Dependents ................................................................................................50

List of Appendix

Appendix A: Survey questionnaire………………………………………………86

 ABBREVIATION

BISP Benazir income support program

EM Employment
FS Food security
HL Health
NESR National economic socio registry
NGO Nongovernmental organization
PV Poverty
PMT Proxy mean test
SPSS Statistical package for social sciences
UCT Unconditional cash transfers
UN United Nation
UNDP United nation development program
WET Waseela e Taleem
WES Waseela e sehat
WE Women empowerment
 ABSTRACT

Poverty is economic condition of any country where peoples have lack of financial
and physical resources and low level of standard of living. Simply poverty refers the
person, or house hold who does not possess enough money to afford basic necessities
of life like, food, health, education, transport, cloth and shelter. Social safety
programs are most authentic tools for poverty alleviation. It is widely accepted for
sustainable human development. Such types of programs worldwide recognized for
well-being of marginalized communities and individuals. The Benazir income support
program (BISP) is one of the most important social safety net programs for social
well-being in the society. It is launched by Govt of Pakistan in (2008). The Benazir
income support program is one of the largest leading human sustainable development
programs in the history of Pakistan. The objective of current research is to investigate
the impact of Benazir income support program over poverty alleviation. In this
relation after review of depth literature in the domain of social safety net programs
around the world the researcher developed a multidimensional model of study. Total
six hypothetical relations were framed. The hypothetical relations of variables were
showing positive relation among variables. This study is employed quantitative type
of investigation for knowing the impact of program. Therefore, the researcher selected
primary type of data. The respondents of current study were female beneficiaries of
Benazir income support program. The area of population was Mansehra district KPK
Pakistan. After screening and cleaning process n= 250 were used for final analysis.
The analysis processes were done through statistical package for social sciences
(SPSS) 21.0 version for windows. The results of current study illustrate that there is
positive relation between Benazir income support program and poverty alleviation.
The five approaches (women empowerment, unconditional cash transfers, education,
health, and food security) positively correlated with eradication of poverty through
Benazir income support program whereas employment negatively. The statistical
analysis support all mentioned hypothetical relations positively except employment.
The socio economic model of development is guarantee of economic growth and
social well-being in the society. This study is useful for policy makers, legislator,
private organizations, and academia’s to understand mechanism of social safety
program.
 Chapter 1

INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

“Eradication of poverty and elevating the status of marginalized and under

privileged sections of society, especially women, through establishment of
comprehensive Social Protection Net.”(www.bisp.com.pk).

1.1.1 BENAZIR INCOME SUPPORT PROGRAM MISSION (BISP)

“Benazir income support program is dedicated to fight poverty by employing

multiple social protection instruments designed to bring a sustainable positive
change in the lives of persistently excluded and deprived families” ( www.
bisp.com.pk).

Benazir income support program (BISP) is one of the most important social safety net
programs for social wellbeing in the society. It is launched by Govt of Pakistan in
(2008-09). In 2007 the economic situation of Pakistan was very poor. Peoples were
suffering from low income, low saving, low investment and low per capita income.
Peoples were marginalized due to unavailability of basic necessities of life. The
development and growth rate was very low. Therefore, the Govt of Pakistan decided
to launch a program of unconditional cash transfer for marginalized peoples of
Pakistan. Initially survey was conducted to know the number of peoples or families
who were living below poverty line. House hold census survey was done through
enumerator from overall Pakistan. It is only women empowerment program. It was
launched by the Government of Pakistan with budgeting allocation of Rs.34 billion
(US $ 425 million approximately) for the financial year 2008-09, with the aim to
cover 3.5 million families. The basic aim of Benazir income support program is to
empower women’s through alleviation of poverty and betterment of education
(Shehzad, 2011, www. bisp.com.pk).
According to (2017-18) statistics of Benazir income support program total budget
allocation is 1.15$ Billion. Total offices of Benazir income support program are
423 around Pakistan. Total number of registered employees is 2,381. Total
beneficiaries of Benazir income support program are 5.4 Million peoples and
children enrolled under wet are 1.9 Million. World Bank mentioned that social
safety net programs assist in reduction of poverty estimated by 15% around the
world. Keeping in mind the achievements of such type of programs The Govt of
Pakistan decided to launch social safety net program named with a former and first
lady Prime Minister of Pakistan (Late) Shaheed Muhatrama Benazir Bhutto. The
core objective of this program is to provide unconditional cash transfer to women
through banking system. It increased consumption patterns in Pakistan. Circulation
of money increased. It decreased starvation from marginalized communities.
Therefore, a parliament act was passed for successful implementation of the
program. In (2007) world economies facing a big financial or historic worst crisis.
These crises badly affect Pakistan economy on macro as well micro level. Peoples
were suffering from low income, low consumption, low import and low export. The
long run objective of the program is to achieve a sustainable development and
economic growth through development of human resources in shape of education
programs, health cards and micro finances loans on very low interest rate. It’s all
only can achieve by transparent implementation of program. The program
established through an Act of Parliament. This works under the executive
patronage of Prime Minister while the President of Pakistan being its Chief Patron.

Goals and objective of Program are as follows:

1. Enhance financial capacity of poor people and their dependent family

members.

2. Formulate and implement comprehensive policies and targeted programs for

the uplift of underprivileged and vulnerable people.

3. Reduce poverty and promote equitable distribution of wealth especially for the
low income groups.
 The beneficiaries of Benazir income support program are related from under-
privileged areas and financially marginalized families of Pakistan. It covers all
areas of Pakistan include tribal areas, AJK and Gilgit Biltistan. Benazir income
support program has the Pakistan largest database of Poor families of Pakistan. The
databases of poor families are using many public, private, national and
international organizations for their purposes.

1.1.2 Component of Benazir income support program

1. The Unconditional Cash Transfers (UCT) Programme

The first and initial component of Benazir income support program is to provide
unconditional cash transfer (UCT) to poor families of Pakistan. In the first phase
forms were provided to elected parliamentarian for identification of below poverty
line families. But later on due to corruption and nepotism program was redesigned
with house hold survey of overall Pakistan. The poverty mean score (PMT) formula
of World Bank was employed as identification of poor families. It proved more
transparent as compare to parliamentarian program. . Quarterly Rs 4700 is provided
as financial assistance for economic empowerment and human resources
development.

2. National Socio-Economic Registry (NSER)

As I already described that Benazir income support program has now largest data base
of poor families of Pakistan. It covers almost 27 million households (HH) across
Pakistan except two agencies of FATA. The data base registry created on the basis
of house hold census survey of overall Pakistan. It used Poverty mean score (PMT)
formula to calculate the poverty line of Pakistani residents. The (NESR) data base
is also using many international institutions for policy making about Pakistan. The
(PMT) score ranges are between 0-100.
3. Waseela-e-Sehet Background (We S)

The Govt of Pakistan launched Waseela-e-Sehat Initiative” in 2010 in Faisalabad

district of Punjab. The main purpose of project is to provide health facilities in
underprivileged and vulnerable population of Pakistan. Initially health insurance
facilities provided to poor families. The maximum ranges of amount Rs. 25,000
PKR per family. This covers all age groups. It is only launched as pilot project in
one district. The package includes the treatment of different diseases and
hospitalization of patients in emergency cases.

4. Waseela-e-Taleem (WeT)

The basic objective of launching Waseela –e- Taleem scheme is to provide

unconditional cash transfer to children on enrolment of schools. Primarily it covers
only primary education to intermediate. It gives 750 PKR to newly enrolled children
of beneficiaries of Benazir income support program. It is human development
program through betterment of education with economic empowerment. Benazir
income support program believed that without economic empowerment educational
empowerment is difficult. Therefore, for enrolment of more and more children of poor
families of Pakistan Benazir income support program provides unconditional cash
transfers to children. Firstly WeT Program was launched in only five district of
Pakistan on experiences bases. After successful completion of pilot phase it was
extended on 27 new districts of Pakistan. Now currently WeT is launched in 32
districts of Pakistan. It covers five key areas or slogans of education betterment.

 Supply Capacity Assessment

 Social Mobilization
 Registration
 Admission and attendance compliance
 Case Management
 Payment/ Cash Transfer
5. Waseela-e-Rozgar Background
As I already described that the core objective of Benazir income support program is to
create employment and alleviation of poverty. Economic empowerment is primary
slogan of Benazir income support program. Pakistan is facing a big challenge of
poverty where millions of peoples are living under below poverty line. To assist such
types of peoples, entrepreneurship and skilled training is only solution. Therefore,
Waseela-e-Rozgar scheme was launched to give skills, trainings and vocational
training to family’s women up to 18-45 years old. But this program is not launched
in each district still.

6. E-Commerce Background
Benazir income support program is not only provides cash transfers but it is
multidimensional social safety net program. It also gives a way to poor families of
Pakistan to be self-employed through E-Commerce. E-commerce of Benazir income
support program is working to help the Beneficiaries to improve their economic
condition by promoting their handicraft skills and creating a softer image of the
country. It promotes entrepreneurship activities in Pakistan. It promotes women
entrepreneurship. It promotes economic prosperity. It promotes human resources
development though educational skills. It is way for poor families to be self-
sufficient.

The main purpose of this study is to examine the role of Benazir income support
program in poverty alleviation. The researcher reviewed large amount of literature in
domain of social safety programs. After reviewing of vast amount literature the
researcher conceptualized that social safety programs are main determinants for
poverty alleviation and economic growth. In this relation, the researcher proposed a
conceptual model on the basis of previous literature. The proposed model has seven
variables. Firstly poverty (PV) defined as dependent variable and women
empowerment (WE), unconditional cash transfers (UCT) education (ED) Health (HL)
Employment (EM) food security (FS) as independent variables.
1.2 AIM AND OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
Aim of the study
To investigate the impact of Benazir income support program in poverty alleviation.

Objectives
a. To investigate relationship between poverty alleviation and women

empowerment through Benazir income support program.

b. To investigate relationship between poverty alleviation and

unconditional cash transfer through Benazir income support program.

c. To investigate relationship between poverty alleviation and education

through Benazir income support program.

d. To investigate relationship between poverty alleviation and health

through Benazir income support program.

e. To investigate relationship between poverty alleviation and

employment through Benazir income support program.

f. To investigate relationship between poverty alleviation and food

security through Benazir income support program.

1.3 SIGNIFICANCE OF STUDY

Social safety net projects are well recognized for eradication of poverty. Such types of
projects are very well known for economic empowerment and prosperity in society.
Social safety programs are most authentic tools for poverty alleviation. It is widely
accepted for sustainable human development. Such types of programs worldwide
recognized for well-being of marginalized communities and individuals. Social and
public sectors are more interested in social safety net programs. The main purpose of
Benazir income support program is to alleviate the poverty from vulnerable
communities of Pakistan. Their additional purposes are to educate peoples through
unconditional transfer of payments. Further purpose is to provide different types of
skills for employment opportunities. In addition, it focuses on health facilities of
peoples. Its basic components are education, health, employment, to provide food
security and poverty reduction through unconditional transfer payment. This study is
showing the importance of social safety programs. In this relation, study provides
more avenues and direction for social well-being in the society. This study is useful
for policy makers, legislator, private organizations, and academia’s to understand
mechanism of social safety program. Consultants, advisor, individual can get benefit
though guidance and direction of model. This study is more beneficial for teachers,
students, academic institution in shape of understanding mechanism of social safety
programs. This study has many recommendations for betterment of program in
futures. In this relation, the researcher strongly recommends to authorities or
transparency and zero tolerance policy towards corruption in project. The more
effectiveness and real impact of project only depends upon transparency of program.
This study is showing the real values and importance of Benazir income support
program. There is need to introduce such type of more social safety programs is
Pakistan.

1.4 STRUCTURE OF THESIS

This dissertation includes five chapters, references and appendix section.

Chapter 1: Introduction

Chapter one is about the overall over view of dissertations. Chapter one is discussing
about the background of the study. The chapter discusses about introduction of
program. The detail introduction of Benazir income support program is primary part
of the chapter. Ahead different types of components of Benazir income support
program were discussed in detail. Further aim and objectives and methodology of the
study are part of the chapter. Thirdly significance and importance of study discussed
in detail. Finally structure of thesis presented.

Chapter 2: Literature review

Second chapter provides a systematic depth review of prior literature. The primary
section of the chapter provides about the Benazir income support program (BISP).
Secondly describes about social safety programs. Third section describes the relevant
studies of Benazir income support program in tabular form. Fourth section provides
information about role of social safety programs in poverty alleviation. Fifth section
gives information about role of social safety programs on education. Sixth section
discusses about role of social safety programs on health. Seventh section provides
strong justification on bases of depth review of literature.

Chapter 3: Model and Methodology

Third chapter discusses about the conceptual model and hypothesis of the study. In
addition, chapter is providing operational definitions of variables. Secondly part of
chapter provides an overview of social safety net program. Ahead section discusses
about hypotheses development. Further, it gives information about the conceptual
approach of the study. This chapter provides complete information about research
methodology. This chapter discusses about the technique and type of investigation.
Further, this chapter provides information about research instrument. Current chapter
discusses step by step process of reliability of research instrument. In addition,
chapter provides information about main study analysis steps.

Chapter 4: Analysis or Results

Chapter four provides information about the empirical analysis of the study. It
provides the results of collected data. Different types of statistical tests and techniques
are part of the chapter four. Collected data was analysis through statistical package for
social sciences (SPSS) 21.0 version for windows. Further, descriptive statistics were
done to know trend of data frequency. Ahead to know reliability of research
instrument reliability statistical tests were done. For knowing the normality and
linearity of data Pearson correlation test was employed. At final stage for knowing
hypothetical relation of model regression analysis test were employed.

Chapter 5: Discussion and conclusions

Chapter five provides conclusions of the study. It provides complete discussion about
results. The first part of the chapter provides information about discussion of the
study. Second section gives information about individual variables and revealed
results. The implication of the study and limitation of the study are also part of
chapter five. Finally chapter ends with future direction and recommendations of the
study.

1.5 SUMMARY OF THE CHAPTER

This chapter provides the summary of whole dissertation. Chapter highlights all
necessary part of the study. Chapter gives an overview of Benazir income support
program. Then move forward aim and objectives of the study described in proper
way. Thirdly importance of the study discussed in detail. At the end of chapter
structure of whole thesis is part of the chapter.
 Chapter 2

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 INTRODUCTION

This chapter will describe the prior literature about different types of social safety
programs and their impact on poverty alleviation and education. This chapter provides
a systematic depth review of prior literature. The first section of chapter starts a brief
introduction of Benazir income support program (BISP). Second section describes
social safety programs. Third section describes the relevant studies of Benazir income
support program. Fourth section provides information about role of social safety
programs in poverty alleviation. Fifth section gives information about role of social
safety programs in education. Sixth section discusses about role of social safety
programs in health. Seventh section provides strong justification on bases of depth
review of literature. Further, this section provides research gap on bases of literature.
At the end over all summary of chapter discussed in detail.

2.2 BENAZIR INCOME SUPPORT PROGRAM (BISP)

In 2007-2008 oil prices and the primary good’s prices increased sharply at
international as well as domestic level. This situation doubled the rate of inflation,
decreased the purchasing power of people rapidly and declined the economic growth
of the country badly. To overcome this situation and to relief the deprived section of
the society the government of Pakistan launched a largest social safety program in
July 2008 with the name of Benazir income support program. This program played a
great role in economic development of the country since 2008.This single social
safety net program also developed the empowerment of women by issuing
unconditional cash transfer to them directly. In 2008 the government of Pakistan
allocated RS 34 billion for this program but in the following year this allocation
doubled to RS 70 billion. In this regard in 2008-2009 about 3 million poor families
were receiving this aid but in 2009-2010 its beneficiaries was expanded to 5million
and in 2016 , PRs 90 billion distributed to 5.4 million to the poor beneficiaries of the
country having the income below than 6 thousands per month. The government of
Pakistan spends 3 % of GDP on Benazir income support program. With the passage
of time Benazir income support program is promoting its features according to
circumstances. Recently it has been developed in many important wits including
Waseela-e-Haq scheme which provides small loans to women and helps to empower
them. Waseela-e-Rozgar helps in promoting employment activities. Waseela-e-sehat
helps in providing basic health facilities to its poor beneficiaries. Waseela-e-Taleem
plays a great role to enroll children in primary education which helps to decrease the
rate of illiteracy. This program is also providing the cash payment to the affected
people of different natural disasters. Recently Benazir income support program is
playing powerful role in eliminating the poverty line. Waqar et al, (2017) investigated
the role of Benazir income support program in swat district and found that this
program has 100% positive role in reducing poverty and to empower the women. In
rural areas there are a lot of people who are surviving under starvation and Benazir
income support program plays an authentic role to provide food security to those poor
people. As according to the study of Hassan et al, (2016) about 40% households are
fulfilling their food needs with the amount of Benazir income support program and
this program helps them to reduce their poverty. As Shahzad et al., (2011) proved that
Benazir income support program has positive impact in alleviation of poverty from
vulnerable communities of Pakistan. Additionally it has positive impact on women’s
empowerment.

2.3 RELEVANT STUDIES ON BENAZIR INCOME SUPPORT PROGRAM

Cash transfer programs widely applied, accepted and successful for poverty
alleviation from marginalized communities in under developing countries like,
Pakistan. It is most authentic tool to subsidize and develop poor families through
economic empowerment, educational empowerment and regular income (Ali 2007).
The constitution of Pakistan guarantees to protect human basic necessities and their
social security. “The state shall: provide for all persons employed in the service of
Pakistan or otherwise, social security by compulsory social insurance or other means;
and provide basic necessities of life, such as food, clothing, housing, education and
medical relief, for all such citizens, irrespective of sex, caste, creed or race, as are
permanently or temporarily unable to earn their livelihood on account of infirmity,
sickness or unemployment” [Constitution of Pakistan (2010)]. Therefore, Govt of
Pakistan launched a program for poverty alleviation and education betterment named
with Benazir income support program. Social safety net programs make a way for
economic growth and development (Bari, et al., 2005; Irfan, 2005; Arif 2006).

2.4 SOCIAL SAFETY PROGRAM

For alleviation of poverty governments are launching many types of social safety
nets programs to mitigate and manage risk. Specially such sorts of projects are
launching in vulnerable area and marginalized communities. The included groups
are low income families, labors, unemployed, women and street children’s (Jamal,
2010). International organizations provide many definitions about social protection.
“Most commonly, it shall be envisaged as an extensive conceptual framework that
combines informal transfers, social safety nets and social security programs”. “The
carefully targeted and effectively managed social protection programs and
initiatives can decrease loss of human capital, enhance employment and protect
people from falling into vicious circle of poverty in case of facing economic risks”
(Kabeer & Cook, 2010).

Generally three terms used in literature about social protection of marginalized

communities.

1) Social protection

2) Social security

3) Social safety nets

Social security refers the protection given by state or society to its members
through different types of measures. It is formal measure like, insurance safety nets
programs. Social security refers such type of programs which is provided by Govt
in shape of pension, old age funds and charity programs. Social protection
measures help people in diminishing, averting and managing risks which can affect
them badly. Safety nets usually provide support in case of economic crises
(Shepherd et al, 2004; Iran, 2007). According to World Bank social safety
programs is necessary for states (World Bank, 2006). Many scholars suggest that
the social safety net Programs are positively associated with social well-being and
eradication of poverty through providing different types of financial, physical,
economical and technical assistance to different communities (Gupta et al 2003;
Khuda, 2011). It is very crystal clear that such type of program’s primary purpose is
to eradication of poverty (Coady, 2004). Social safety net projects comprises on
microfinance loans, unconditional cash transfer, economic empowerment, education
fund, health fund, insurance policies, old age funds and charity programs (Gupta et al,
2003). According to Schmidt (2012) social safety program mitigate poverty and it’s
directly related with food insecurity. In this relation the findings of the study indicates
that food security is major component of social safety net program. Duggan and
Kearney (2007) defines that the rate of enrolment increases in those where social
safety net program successfully implemented. Gruber (2000) described that such type
of program increases consumption patterns in targeted areas. In this way, another
researcher Borjas (2004) arguing that state must have welfare concept for poor
families. There is a primary responsibility of states to introduce such type of program
for poor families where they can gain more financial, capital and economici benefits
without any sort of condition. A study conducted by Kamal and Saha (2018) in
Bangladesh. The main objective of study is to assess the impact of social safety net
programs on target base achieving in vulnerable communities of Bangladesh. The
results of study indicate that millions of peoples in Bangladesh come out from poverty
through such types of program. The program has authentic tools and direction for
economic empowerment and social empowerment in the society.

2.5 ROLE OF SOCIAL SAFETY PROGRAMS IN POVERTY ALLEVIATION

The reduction of poverty is remained important issue among economist, policy

makers, social scientist from many years. After world war and revolution of
industrializations the distribution of wealth remained unequal around the world.
Ultimately richer became richer and poor became poorer .Economists suggest many
type of models to alleviate poverty like, micro finance support, small medium
enterprises, financial aid, structural support, health facilities, educational mechanism,
investment, saving, income (Robinson, 2001).
Previous research suggests that there is very positive impact of social safety programs
on poverty alleviation and help to poor families without any type of condition. It
assists in betterment of education and health facilities. It also promotes
entrepreneurships activities in society (Barrientos 2008). According to Skoufias
(2001) the Progresa interventions programs have very positive impact on Mexico and
10% poverty reduced below poverty line score. Whereas depth poverty score indicates
that 30% poverty reduced due to social safety net program (Soares, et al. 2007).
According to Schulz (2000) the poverty can decreased through betterment of
education upto1.07 percent in boys and in girls up to 1.45 percent. Another, study
conducted by Behrman, et al. (2000) describes that due to unconditional transfer of
cash poverty ratio was decreased on dramatic level. According to Ahmed and Ninno
(2009) Bangladeshi government launched a program named with Food for Education
(FFE) program has increased enrolment at schools levels. Hirwa, et al. (2004)
suggests that social safety programs plays important role in Improving Livelihood
through Public Works Program”. It gives a special reference of Malawi project. It
provided highly influential role in poverty alleviation (McCord 2004). The Benazir
income support programs have very positive indication on reduction of poverty
among Pakistan. It is most successful program in the history of Pakistan (Hamid
2009). In the age of globalization almost all developed and developing countries
more focus on the concept of welfare. The countries have primary mottos to
compensate poor families through such types of projects (Mkandawire, 2005; Ortiz,
2007).
All social safety net programs have positive role in betterment of education. The
Benazir income support program have component named with Waseela-e-Taleem.
As Schulz (2000) described that when poverty increases education level decreases and
when poverty decreases education level increases. When policy makers ask or discuss
about human resources development ultimately asking for betterment of education. In
this spirit cash transfers, food programs, scholarships, education funds all are have
strong evidence of social safety net and betterment of education. Previous evidence
proves that poverty decreased at dramatically due to such type of projects. School
enrolment also increased. Almost all under developing countries and international
institutions applied same practices for increasing of enrolment.
Currently Pakistan is operating unconditional cash transfer to vulnerable communities
and providing Rs.750 quarterly to children on 70% attendance. Such type of safety net
reduced the likelihood chronic malnutrition among children by 15 percentage points
(Banerji & Gentilini 2013). Indonesia, Cambodia, Bangladesh, India, Uganda,
Pakistan and Cambodia have many successful stories in context of social safety and
positive impact of education. According to different researchers social safety
institutions are main determinants for economic empowerment and human resources
development through education (Shehzad, 2011; Hassan, 2015). According to Kabir
(2010), the benefits of such type of schemes are always stable for the poor. From
previous research it is very crystal clear that education is only way for economic
development. Better quality of education is guarantee of bright future. Therefore,
social safety or unconditional transfers of education is basic and primary right of
every child.
Asia has been facing a big challenge of poverty where millions of people’s lives under
poverty line. Countries like, China, India Pakistan, Bangladesh Indonesia considered
most populated nations around the globe. Mentioned countries have high death rate
due to deficiency of food and worst health conditions. Lack of nutrition considered as
main cause of casualties. Poor health facilities, low income, low saving and poor
governance creates more health problems in under developing countries. Recently in
2016- 17 hundred of children were died in Pakistan due to deficiency of nutrition’s.
Social safety programs plays important role for betterment of health conditions in
vulnerable families. According to Nabi and Farooq (2010) approximately 10% of
families receive cash assistance from various programs. Memon (2013) said that 80%
of beneficiaries spend Benazir income support program cash transfer on food. Chen
and Dunn (1996) found that the households associated with microenterprise activities
have higher income, fixed assets, education and nutrition level. However, the role
played by microenterprises in uplifting the household need to be measured in order to
assess their contribution. The Govt of Pakistan launched Waseela-e-Sehet Initiative”
in 2010 in Faisalabad district of Punjab. The main purpose of project is to provide
health facilities to underprivileged and vulnerable population of Pakistan ( Shehzad,
2011; Malik et al., 2013). The social safety programs have very positive and primary
role for betterment of health conditions in back word areas of different countries
around the world. It is slogan of social safety projects that better economic condition
is only result of better health conditions of any country.
Benazir income support program is considered as very successful program in
Pakistan. Lot of researches tested the impact of Benazir income support program.
Further table (2.1) presents tabular form of literature review on Benazir income
support program.

TABLE 2.1: LITERATURE REVIEW ON BISP

SR TITLE KEY FINDINGS
NO
1 The State of NSER and BISP (Benazir income support program) have been discussed in 201
Social Safety along with number of covered households. Both the UCT and CCT components h
Nets—World discussed. Technology based payment mechanisms such as debit cards, smartca
Bank (2014 & mobile phones of Benazir income support program were also discussed at pp. 149
2015)
NSER
2 Durr-e-Nayab The study has used the Pakistan Panel Household Survey (PPHS)-2010 and fo
and Shujaat around 11 per cent of the households are receiving cash assistance from a v
Farooq (2014) program, with no major difference in the trends between the urban and the rur
Among this program, Benazir income support program is the largest program as
about two-thirds of the total households receiving any form of cash transfer, in
rural and urban areas.
3 Ullah (nd). This study has focused on the change in social functionality of women after re
with this program as citizens and its impact on their property rights. Mos
applicants are from a poor section of the society and it provided an opportunity to
mainstream and Benazir income support program’s poverty survey focuses
women in the poorest social segment.
4 PIDE (2014) The study has been conducted by PIDE with the financial assistance from GIZ
utilization of Health Insurance in district Faisalabad. The study has inv
beneficiaries’ experience, satisfaction and hospital utilization under the BISP’s W
e-Sehat scheme. The awareness level among the study population, including th
and past users of the WS scheme, was very poor. There was a common misconcep
they would get cash if they do not use the credit on the card at any empaneled hos
the contrary, in some cases excess spending was taking place under the impres
everything would be covered and compensated.
5 Nabi (2013) The paper has reviewed the SSN programs of Pakistan including Zakat, Bait-ul
Benazir income support program, A detailed review over the background of
income support program’s formation and structure of Benazir income support
UCT and CCT are also discussed. The paper has highlighted that the overall cov
the Benazir income support program’s targeting survey at the national level
percent, and that there was only a small difference in the poverty scores across
surveys (i.e., the national roll out of the poverty survey and spot-check repre
survey).Additionally, the process evaluation interim results showed that almost 85
of the stipulated processes were followed for all activities completed under the
scorecard survey (referred studies are from IDS and GHK).
6 Channa Anila The findings of study suggest that social safety net program has positive im
(2013) economic empowerment of poor families.
7 Shaihk (2013) The paper has reviewed all the SSN programs in Pakistan. A detailed targeting me
 of Benazir income support program including formation of Benazir income
program, targeting mechanism and outreach has also been discussed.
8 Nouman Ghani The finding of study indicates that Benazir income support program has primary
(2013) food security, livelihood and increasing consumption pattern of Pakistan.
9 Khawja The paper is the individual research effort in National Management College.
(2012). poverty profile and various poverty alleviation programs have been discussed in th
A brief overview of Benazir income support program is discussed.
10 Siddiqui Benazir income support program has highly effective role in women’s empowe
Sohail
11 SEDA (2013) The study has evaluated the Waseel-e-Haq program in four districts: Shaheed Ben
Matiari Hyderabad & Jamshoro with the help of Benazir income support program
and SAFCO. The data and physical verification of businesses of beneficiaries sh
99.8% businesses are running in good/ satisfactory way. All the beneficiaries
their income in income generating activities rather to spend on social need
successful stories are also given in the study.
12 Robina Tayyab The Benazir income support program positively correlated with income generati
(nd) eradication of poverty from vulnerable communities of Pakistan.
13 Shehzad Using stratified sampling, 1095 Benazir income support program beneficiar
(2011) observed from 4 districts: Mianwali, Sanghar, Mirpurkhas and Multan. Th
indicate that a significant number of beneficiaries had found the cash assistan
helpful in meeting their daily expenditure which included food items, utility bill
education of children and travelling expenses. The results show that mos
beneficiaries had spent the cash assistance of Benazir income support pro
purchase of the food items, some spent on utilities while fewer spent on misce
The results indicate that most of the beneficiaries were benefited from the Benazi
support program cash assistance which had improved their food consumptio
considerably. The cumulative analysis show that cash assistance of Benazir
support program had economically empowered the women to improve spending
items and most of the beneficiaries were utilizing this assistance to improve th
consumption at the household level.
14 Ghazdar The political leadership was eager to promote Benazir income support progr
(2011) women-focused program. Now women could be primary beneficiaries even if the
have NADRA identity cards to begin with. Their registration for Benazir income
program, in fact, could coincide with their registration with NADRA. It was repo
there was a big rise in NADRA applications as a result of the Benazir income
program, particularly among poor women in relatively underdeveloped rural areas
15 USAID report In September 2009 USAID/Pakistan signed an $85 million cash transfer grant ag
(2012) with the Islamic Republic of Pakistan through the Economic Affairs Divisio
Ministry of Economic Affairs and Statistics. The Government of Pakis
USAID/Pakistan signed an amendment to the agreement in June 2010, prov
additional $75 million and bringing the total amount to $160 million. Under the
the agreement, on receiving the cash transfer, the government is to deposit the eq
amount of Pakistani rupees immediately in a special local currency account to
program payments to eligible families. USAID/Pakistan must approve disburse
funds from the account to the program. USAID/Pakistan’s Program Office is res
for monitoring the agreement. The Benazir Income Support Program is not a
program; it is a Government of Pakistan program receiving budget support from
through Agreement No. 391012-01. USAID’s Office of Inspector General in
 conducted this audit to determine whether USAID/Pakistan’s cash transfers pro
the Benazir Income Support Program reached the intended beneficiaries. The au
that the first installment or tranche of $85 million transferred to the Govern
Pakistan in February 2010 was disbursed by the program to approximately
beneficiaries. The audit team reviewed program records for a statistical sample o
the 480,000 beneficiaries and found that recipients’ names, addresses, and payme
accurate. Further, program officials provided evidence of a poverty scorecard fo
the sample beneficiaries. In addition, USAID/Pakistan commissioned a survey th
that 98 percent of randomly sampled beneficiaries had received payments
16 USAID report The monitoring exercise was carried out for a sample size of 384 beneficiaries a
(2011) districts of Punjab, Sindh, KPK, Balochistan, and AJ&K. Here is the summary
findings:  98.69% of the beneficiaries have received the cash payment from
income support program. Out of the 98.69% beneficiaries who have received
payment from Benazir income support program, 76 % of the beneficiaries have
the payment from Benazir income support program in the last 3 months.  50.26
beneficiaries knew the amount and frequency of payment. The average amoun
1,000 and average frequency is Monthly. 96% of the beneficiaries knew when the
first started receiving the cash payments from Benazir income support program.
of the beneficiaries knew the total amount they had received from Benazir income
program till date of interview since they started receiving the cash payments from
income support program.
17 Arshad (2011) The analysis revealed that the UCT income to women increased their h
responsibilities in three ways as they were reinforced for child care, schooling
children and arranging food items. Women were using cash subsidy on their
clothes, shoes, medicines, school fee and books. The sense of empowerment
increased among most of the women beneficiaries as they pursued their cash
every month when it got late due to any reason. Most of the women ben
disclosed that after this cash, they felt change in their life that buy all household
daily use by themselves from outside home otherwise their mobility was rest
household activities only. The UCT has been found a positive instrument regardin
to and control over cash subsidy by the women beneficiaries. Since Benazir
support is absolutely for the poor women so the women’s access to this income
ensured in program policy.
18 Gazdar and The study undertake a rapid assessment in five villages in Sindh and Punjab to a
Mallah (2010) the presence of Benazir income support program on the ground seems to be stron
evaluation also concurs with the previous report in terms of targeting .They
while beneficiaries were always poor, the poorest were often sometimes excluded
lack of political connections. They also demonstrate evidence of resident exclusio
association with rival political parties.
19 Hermosillo and Potentially, Benazir income support program could become the Pakistan’s social
Sayeed (2010) to address the causes of poverty if it manages to focus its efforts on its core busin
note proposes a two-phased graduation strategy for Benazir income support
hence providing the building blocks for an integrated social safety net system base
poverty scorecard targeting system.
20 Khan and The design of Benazir income support program is highly effective in shape of ec
Qutub (2010) empowerment and women’s empowerment.
21 Shahid Hamid The Benazir income support program has the issues of sustainability. It has se
(2009) implications and difficulties in transfers of payment.
 22 Naveed and This paper argues for the multidimensional measurement of poverty in
Tanveer (nd) particularly in the context of Millennium Development Goals. It critically exam
Poverty Scorecard, which was recently introduced by the Government of Pakista
identification of poor households under the Benazir Income Support Progr
limitations of the official poverty line are identified and the role of h
consumption in explaining deprivations is discussed.

2.6 RESEARCH GAP

Simply poverty refers the person, or house hold who does not possess enough money
to afford basic necessities of life like, food, health, education, transport, cloth and
shelter. Poverty is a situation of individual or households where they are unable to
gain basic supplies of life. Situation of hunger is poverty. Situation of starvation is
poverty. Situation of malnutrition is poverty. Situation of illiteracy is poverty.
Situation of shelter less is poverty. Situation of low purchasing power is main concern
of poverty. It reflects bad economic condition of country due to limited resources,
lack of technological development, unequal distribution of wealth and lack of basic
services. Management introduces social protection safety nets to alleviate and
administer risk, weakness and to reduce poverty throughout transfer of unconditional
cash. The targeted groups for social safety nets include casual and informal workers,
low capital self-employed, low rank formal sector workers, women and children
without family or community support. In the post devolution situation, on the request
of provincial governments, technical assistance is being provided to them in preparing
social protection policies that have transparent, improved and easily manageable
targeting system, sustainable, comprehensive and integrated provincial social
protection policies. The Pakistan is 6th largest population around the globe having
more than 20 million peoples. According to statistic of Pakistan more than 50% of
population lives under poverty line. It is a horrible situation of country where 10
million peoples don’t have basic supplies of life, like food, water, shelter, education
income. According to census of (1998) 49% of Pakistan is women population. Due to
cultural diversity, illiteracy dogmas 49% of population not empowered properly in
economic decisions (Klasen, 1999).Worldwide accepted view is that women
empowerment is essential component for economic growth as well as development
(King and Mason, 2001). For alleviation of poverty and economic growth social
safety program in shape of unconditional cash transfer is considered important tool.
Money transfer projects are widely measured as a ‘magic bullet’ for alleviating of
poverty. Still impact of such type of programs is under discussion. Some researchers
suggest its positive some are showing its negative impact in sense of dependency (Ali
2007). This is first quantitative study on Benazir income support program to see its
impact in district Mansehra.

2.7 SUMMARY OF THE CHAPTER

This chapter discussed about the previous literature in domain. The Benazir income
support program was implemented in all over Pakistan for poverty alleviation, women
empowerment, income, education, health, through different components like,
Waseela-e-Taleem, Waseela-e- sehat and quarterly unconditional cash transfers to
those house hold which poverty score is very low. Therefore, current study will
assess the impact of Benazir income support program on poverty alleviation and
women economic empowerment in District Mansehra KPK.

Chapter 3
 MODEL AND METHODOLOGY

3.1 INTRODUCTION

This chapter discusses about the conceptual model, hypothesis and methodology of
the study. Current chapter divided in different type of sections. First section (3.1)
provides introduction of the chapter. The section (3.2) defines operational definitions
of defined variables. Sections (3.3) discusses about hypotheses development. Section
(3.4) gives information about the conceptual approach of the study. This chapter
discusses about the research methods of the study. Research methodology is important
part of the study. It gives way to reach appropriate answer of the defined problem.
Section (3.5) gives information about research philosophical stance of the study.
Section (3.6) describes the research design of the study. Section (3.7) provides the
knowledge about research strategy of the study. Section (3.8) defines the population
and sampling of the study. Section (3.9) provides the information about research
instruments. Section (3.10) describes main study steps. Section (3.11) provides the
ethical consideration of the study. Section (3.12) discusses the summery of the
chapter.

3.2 OPERATIONAL DEFINITIONS OF DEFINED VARIABLES

As I already discussed that Benazir income support program is social safety net
program. The main purpose of this study is to investigate the role of Benazir income
support program in poverty alleviation.

Below are operational definitions of defined variables

1) Poverty
According to definition of United Nation (1998) “fundamentally, poverty is a denial
of choices and opportunities, a violation of human dignity. It means lack of basic
capacity to participate effectively in society. It means not having enough to food and
cloth a family, not having a school or clinic to go to, not having the land on which to
grow one’s food or a job to earn one’s living, and not having access to credit. It means
insecurity, powerlessness and exclusion of individuals, households and communities.
It means susceptibility to violence, and it often implies living on marginal or fragile
environments, without access to clean water or sanitation.” Poverty is economic
situation where peoples have low income, low saving, low investment, and lack of
basic necessities of life (Shastri 2009). Poverty is economic condition of any country
where peoples have lack of financial and physical resources and low level of standard
of living. So poverty is worst situation of any person, community, group or nation.
Therefore worldwide all governments have primary motto to alleviate poverty from
country. Pakistan is one of the major country where millions of peoples living under
below poverty line. According to Prof. Nurkse “the vicious circle of poverty (VCP) is
responsible for backwardness of poor countries".

Further economists defined vicious circle of poverty give below fig (3.1).

Fig: 3.1 Vicious circle of poverty

2) Women empowerment
Women’s are major human capital of any economy. Their empowerment is a
necessary element for economic development and social development (Smith and
Stelener 1990). Without women’s empowerment the concept of development and
economic growth is just wastage of time (Phillipson 2007). They are major
shareholder in economic sector at micro and macro level. According to census of
(2017) the 48.63% population of Pakistan is female population. The women
empowerment in Pakistan is ignored previously. The economic contribution in labor
force of Pakistan economy is very low. Pakistan is considered as one of major country
in the world where female employment rate is very low. According to Gulf economist
article total Pakistani women ranked 126 out of 128 in the world, 123 out of 128 in
educational attainments, 121 out of 128 in health and 43 out of 128 in political
empowerment. It is very accepted truth that economically empowers women are more
supportive towards their families. The Benazir income support program is one of the
largest women empowerment program in Pakistan. The beneficiaries of Benazir
income support program are 100% poor females of Pakistan. Enhance of skill,
education, employment and to discover economic opportunities in respected manner
is primary objective of Benazir income support program. Benazir income support
program is considered as one of the largest social safety program of women
empowerment in world. Therefore, it is named behind the first women prime minister
of Pakistan Muhatrama Benazir Bhutto (late). Below graph (3.2) showing the % the
total female population engaged in employment.
 Fig: 3.2 Female labor participation

3) Un conditional cash transfer

The unconditional cash transfer refers financial support of poor families for
alleviation of poverty. It is the core objective of social safety program to alleviate
poverty through micro finance support of poor families. Through cash transfers to
poor families can set their goals. They can achieve financial stability (Chen & Dun,
1996). It is accepted truth that main reason of poverty is weak financial situation of
poor families. Worldwide unconditional cash transfer is main determinant. It is
authentic tool for reduction of poverty. Many researchers believed that financing to
poor families is only a way for self-sufficient. The Pakistani government is launched
Benazir income support program on bases of unconditional cash transfers on quarterly
bases. The Benazir income support program is social safety program which provides
cash transfers to millions of poor families of Pakistan.
 4) Education

The Article 26 of the (1948) Universal Declaration of Human Rights states that
“everyone has the right of education”. Education is not only a right but a passport to
human development. The education is only way to develop and emerge the world at
high level (Kumar and Lin 2006). The education is situation where peoples have basic
knowledge to read, write and understand simple basics of syllabus. In the broad sense,
education means wisdom or knowledge. The education has power to alleviate or
minimize poverty from country as well as individual. The worldwide policy makers
have primary focus on quality of education. It is necessary component for poverty
alleviation from vulnerable communities (Changjun and Yamping 2007). Social
safety programs are more inclined towards primary education of poor families. It can
give authentic way to families for sustainable human develop of life. The Benazir
income support program also focused on education. Benazir income support program
provides stipends to girls for attending primary schools. They provide different types
of attraction for joining of schools. Pakistan is a country where millions of children’s
still out from schools due to child labor, and poverty.

5) Health

The World Health Organization (WHO), (1948) defines about health "a state of

complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of
disease or infirmity. “The health is basic indictor of life. The health refers the
situation of country where peoples don’t have deficiency of food. The malnutrition
and starvation is major signs of low level of health conditions. The standard of living
can measure also through health condition of peoples. Pakistan is country where
millions of poor families suffering from critical health conditions due to poverty.
Peoples don’t have enough money for proper treatment. The Benazir income support
program provides special cash transfers in some districts of Punjab province for
betterment of health.
 6) Employment

The term employment refers to provide services to any company, sector, organization
and individual for remuneration. The employment is major factor for measuring
performance of any economy. It shows the strength or weakness of any economy
(Flora and Johanson 1991). The poor families and poor countries have low income
only due to lack of employment opportunities. The mobility of vertical and horizontal
employment is also major reason of poverty. Pakistan is a country where millions of
peoples don’t have any type of job. They are facing worst unemployment. The social
safety program and governments have primary motto to provide technical skills to
peoples. The promotion of entrepreneurial activities at large level is also creates
employment opportunities in economy (Seiber and Miller 2004). The Benazir income
support program also focused on technical skills to poor families’ women’s for
alleviation of poverty.

7) Food Security

Food is the basic ingredient of life. Healthy food is necessary component for survival
of human life. The hunger is primary sign of poverty. The term food security refers
the peoples have access to healthy food at all times (The World Food Summit of
1996). They can cover their physical need in well manner through food security. The
previous scholar defines that three basic pillar or element of food security. 1)
Availability of food. 2) Physical and economic access to food. 3) Proper utilization of
food. The food security is major challenge around the world. Poverty directly hit
situation of food security in poor families. The unavailability of food due to lack of
economic resources and financial resources are major challenge for national and
international communities. Social safety programs more inclined towards
sustainability of food security in poor families. The Pakistan is a country where
millions of peoples facing big challenge of food security. Therefore, Benazir income
support program have primary objective to facilitate poor families in terms of food
security through cash transfers.
3.3 MODEL SPECIFICATION

There is main reason behind selection of model to draw research boundaries and
specified model. After specification of model hypotheses were formulated with the
help of defined variables. The researcher reviewed large amount of literature in
domain of social safety programs. After reviewing of vast amount literature researcher
conceptualized that social safety programs are main determinants for poverty
alleviation and economic growth. Previously many researcher studied social safety
programs and its impact on poverty alleviation (Malik et al., 2013; Shehzad, 2011;
Hassan, 2015; Ahmed et al 2017). Mentioned researchers have used different types of
variables to know impacts on poverty alleviation like education, investment, health,
employment, livelihood, women empowerment, education, health, microfinance. In
this relation, researcher proposed a conceptual model on the basis of previous
literature. The proposed model has seven variables. Firstly poverty (PV) defined as
dependent variable and women empowerment (WE), unconditional cash transfers
(UCT) education (ED) Health (HL) Employment (EM) food security (FS) as
independent variables. Below given is proposed model of current study.

Equation of model

PV=1WE+ 2UCT +3 ED+ 4 HL+ 5 EM +6 FS

Y = β́ + β 1 X 1 + β 2 X 2 + β 3 X 3 + β 4 X 4 + β 5 X 5+ β 6 X 6+ μi … .. (1)

Where,Y iis dependent variable that indicates the measure of poverty alleviations Xi is

explanatory variables, β iare the parameters to be estimated and the μistochastic error

term .Model for estimation is given below:

PV= β́+ β 1 WE+ β 2 UCT + β 3 ED + β 4 HL+ β 5 EM + β 6 FS+ μ i

Where poverty (PV) women empowerment (WE), unconditional cash transfers (UCT)
education (ED) Health (HL) Employment (EM) Food Security (FS)

Current study also used control variables like, gender, age, marital status, and
education, receiving years, number of dependents, district and tehsil.
3.3.1 HYPOTHESES

H1: There is a positive relationship between poverty alleviation and women

empowerment through Benazir income support program.

H2: There is a positive relationship between poverty alleviation and unconditional

cash transfer through Benazir income support program.

H3: There is a positive relationship between poverty alleviation and education

through Benazir income support program.

H4: There is a positive relationship between poverty alleviation and health through

Benazir income support program.

H5: There is a positive relationship between poverty alleviation and employment

through Benazir income support program.

H6: There is a positive relationship between poverty alleviation and food security

through Benazir income support program.

3.4 CONCEPTUAL APPROACH OF THE STUDY

resources are an authentic way. Whereas other suggests that technological
advancement is a way to eliminate poverty. In this way, economist and social
scientists suggest that poverty is socio economic problem (Kabeer& Cook, 2010).
Therefore, social safety programs like, Benazir income support program are more
successful in alleviation of poverty from society. In this relation, social safety
programs worldwide considered as authentic tool of sustainable human development
(Shepherd et al, 2004; Iran, 2007). Many scholars suggest that the social safety net
programs is positively associated with social well-being and eradication of poverty
through providing different types of financial, physical, economical and technical
assistance to different communities (Gupta et al 2003; Khuda, 2011). Such types of
programs have different type of tools and targeted objectives. The Benazir income
support program is one the leading social safety program in the Pakistan. The primary
objective of program is to alleviation of poverty through, cash transfer, empowerment
of women, education of children, health facilities, skills and employment
opportunities, savings and capacity building of poor families.

3.5 RESEARCH PHILOSOPHY

According to Sakran (2003) “research philosophy is a belief about the way in which
data about a phenomenon should be gathered, analysed and used”. The philosophical
stance shows that how can researcher reach to appropriate answer of particular
problem (Saunders, Lewis, &Thornhill, 2009). Research philosophy is classified in
three main approaches. 1) Ontology. 2) Epistemology. 3) Methodology. It is most
important part of any type of scientific investigation. It is foundation of why, which
type of research questions.

1) Ontology

Ontology refers the situation which real exists in the world. The term ontology relates
with the reality. It is divided on the bases of objectivism and subjectivism. So it
relates with verifiable realities in socially constructed world (Patton, 2002).
 2) Epistemology

The term epistemology refers the acceptable knowledge of particular subject. It is

based on two types of dimensions like, resources researcher and feeling researcher.
The resource researcher relates with data like natural sciences. Whereas feeling
researcher are connected with feelings and attitude of defined subject (Saunders,
Lewis, & Thornhill, 2009).

Positivism approach

The main feature of positivism approach is based on the observation and experiment.
It is directly related with justifiable assumption. “It is more quantitative in nature by
applying different types of testes and methods. The alternate name of positivism
approach is quantitative approach (Hussey and Hussey, 1997).

Interpretivist:

To define problem in qualitative way or descriptive way is interpretivist approach. It

is directly associated with ways of more descriptive and less numerical (Bryman,
2001).

TABLE 3.1 MAIN CHARACTERISTICS OF POSITIVISM AND

INTERPRETIVIST APPROACH

Positivist Interpretivist
Uses large sample size Uses small sample size
Researcher does not get involved into Researcher gets involved into the problem

problem domain domain

The location is artificial The location is natural
Data is precise and specific Data is subjective
It is concerned with testing hypothesis It is concerned with developing theories
Generalizes from sample to population Generalizes from one setting to another setting

3) Methodology

Third approach is methodology of the study. It provides way to reach proper

destination. Methodology guides about how to collect data, which strategy or design
will be more appropriate for problem. It suggests how to analyze data. Methodology
gives proper guidance to researcher at every stage of scientific investigation.

Below given graph (3.1) shows the different types of steps in research methodology.

Fig: 3.3 Research Philosophy

Current study employed positivism approach, deductive method, and quantitative

method, survey base method with cross sectional model and data analysis through
statistical package for social sciences version (21.0) for windows software. The
respondents of current study were beneficiaries of Benazir income support program
(BISP) from Mansehra district KPK Pakistan.

3.6 RESEARCH DESIGN

According to Sakran (2003) “the research design refers to the overall strategy that
chooses by the researcher to integrate the different components of the study in a
coherent way”. Simply research design is an overall procedure of research journey
which involves determining of problem, identification of variables, to shape a logical
framework, conceptual or theoretical frame work of the study, collection of data, to
decide and define research strategy, analyzing and interpretation of data. Research
design shows the journey of research from start to end. It is most important part of the
study. It is very well defined and systematic approach which is adopted by the
researcher. As Yin (1989) states that research design is a pure logical problem not
logistical problem. It is based on pure work guidance and set of procedures. Research
design tells us about the clear methods and strategy of data collection. Exploration,
description, explanation, predication, evaluation and history of problem all are
necessary parts of research design. After determining of problem next important stage
is to determine the relationship of the model on the bases of strong scientific
assumption. The selection of strategy is important part of the design. The strategy is
related with problem nature. In the social science literature two research strategies
clearly defined like, quantitative and qualitative. Further, qualitative and quantitative
research strategies have some different types of techniques for collection of data. The
mentioned techniques are like experiment, survey base method, case study,
interviews, relevant literature and observation. Current study employed quantitative
strategy and survey base method. The researcher used close ended questionnaire for
collection of data. The survey base method is more reliable and authentic source of
collection and analyzing of data. Further below given graph 3.2) shows the different
stages and parts of the research design and relevance with current study.