EOBI digitising data to ensure transparency

Pindi chamber calls for easing registration process, seeks seat on advisory body

RAWALPINDI: To ensure transparency for the registration of employees and disbursement of pensions, the government’s premier employees’ welfare body is working to digitize its data.

This was stated by the Employees’ Old-Age Benefits Institution (EOBI) Chairman Azhar Hameed on Wednesday while visiting the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI).

Hameed said that apart from digitising the data of the institutions, they are setting up an online portal where employees can directly register themselves. This, he hoped, will greatly improve the service delivery of the organization.

The EOBI chief further assured businesspeople of the garrison city that no business centre or organisation will be harassed by the institution in the name of audit or registration of employees.

“An employer can send complaints directly to EOBI, which will take immediate action,” he said.

Hameed added that during the last fiscal year 2018-19, EOBI has disbursed pensions worth Rs33 billion. Moreover, the first-ever ‘Pension Day’ ceremony was organised to recognise the contributions made by the private sector in ensuring that their retired employees get old-age benefits, including pensions and grants.

However, Hameed said that they are working to introduce further reforms in the institution to improve its performance, service delivery and transparency.

Another project is underway in which employees will also be able to obtain discounts from different hospitals, utility stores and such establishments.

He called for better cooperation and assistance to resolve issues such as monthly payment shortfall between the EOBI and organisations.

The EOBI chief added that the institution had invested in various sectors for good returns and that the pension fund is quite safe and secure.

Chamber President Saboor Malik said that the recent rise in pensions was a welcome sign.

“Employee and employer data should be protected,” he urged, adding, “There should also be concessions and incentives for employers as well.”

“The chamber should be represented in the advisory board [of EOBI],” he said, adding that registration cards should be issued and dispatched immediately.

“The government should realize the ground realities and ease the registration process and compliance.”

Published in The Express Tribune, January 2^nd, 2020.