ISLAMABAD: A significant development has come for millions of families benefiting from Benazir Income Support Program (BISP).
The government has decided to completely shift the program to a digital system to make the payment process to the deserving individuals easier, safer and more transparent.
Under this new system, the deserving individuals will not have to stand in long queues for payment or face unnecessary problems with agents.
In a meeting of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection, Secretary BISP Aamir Ahmed Ali said that the Benazir Income Support Program will operate in a completely digital manner from July 16.
The aim of this change is to provide more convenience to deserving women and other beneficiaries and to make the entire payment process in line with modern requirements.
He said that under the new system, the assistance amount of the deserving individuals will be transferred directly to their personal bank accounts. This move will not only increase transparency but will also reduce the difficulties faced during the distribution of money. By paying through bank accounts, the beneficiaries will be able to get the money at any time according to their convenience.
The Secretary BISP said that a message will also be sent to the beneficiaries on their mobile phones so that they get the payment notification in time. Along with this, it will also be made clear that it is not necessary to withdraw the money on the same day. They can also get the money from the bank or ATM later as per their convenience. The aim of this move is to reduce unnecessary rush at banks and payment centers.
During the meeting, the Chairman of the Standing Committee also raised the issue of recruitment of employees in the institution. He said that the Benazir Income Support Program has been running continuously since 2008, but even today most of the employees in the institution, from directors to drivers, are working on deputation. He questioned why permanent recruitments are not being made in such an important national institution.
On this, the Additional Secretary informed the committee that the summary of permanent recruitments has already been sent to the Ministry of Finance.
After getting the approval of the ministry, the process of recruitment of permanent employees in the institution will be started. The standing committee also issued instructions to ensure early progress on this issue.
The meeting also directed the six partner banks working with BISP to increase the number of their agents so that the beneficiaries do not face any difficulty in getting the payment. The committee was of the view that by increasing the facilities at the payment centers, better services can be provided to the public.
