Minister for Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety Shazia Marri says the government has enhanced budgetary allocations by 12.3 percent for the Benazir Income Support Programme to help the downtrodden.

Addressing a news conference in Islamabad on Monday, she said 455 billion rupees have been allocated to ensure social protection of the poor segments of society.

The Minister said over 9 million poor women are being directly benefited from this program. She said that quarterly stipend provided to the poor women will be enhanced this year.

Terming the Benazir Nashonuma Program as vital program to address the issue of malnutrition and stunted growth of infants, Shazia Marri said that thirty two point two seven billion rupees have been allocated for this programme.  She said highly nourishing food items are being provided to pregnant women to ensure their health.