The National Assembly Sub-Committee on Poverty Alleviation discussed improvements to the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) on Wednesday, focusing on the implementation of a new payment system.
The panel was presided over by convener Nawabzada Iftikhar Ahmed.
During the session, the BISP secretary informed the committee that the implementation of the new payment system could take a few months. However, the official said, a pilot project is expected to launch by June.
The panel was told that currently banks charge a 0.4 per cent fee from the government for payments, but under the pilot project, they may charge up to 1 per cent, provided they offer comprehensive facilities to beneficiaries.
The committee convener emphasised the need to hear from banking representatives, directing that they be summoned for the next meeting. BISP Chairperson Rubina Khalid also suggested that representatives from the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) be invited to the upcoming session.
Rubina backed the proposal to include beneficiary photos on ATM cards to enhance security. The committee convener suggested that BISP could obtain necessary identification data from National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra).
Meanwhile, the BISP chairperson announced plans to launch an awareness campaign after Eid to ensure greater transparency and accessibility in the programme.
Committee member Asiya Ishaq highlighted that many women do not personally collect their payments, while committee member Ahmed Atiq stressed that payments should be made in full and with dignity.
Asiya questioned whether local body members had been engaged in the process, suggesting they could provide better guidance.
The BISP chairperson acknowledged the necessity of political involvement, while Ahmed Atiq pointed out that community leaders, such as Punjab's numberdars, have deep knowledge of local populations and could serve as an effective ground force.
BISP officials clarified that women are required to present themselves during the survey process, and their data is securely recorded in the database. Committee members urged the department to integrate local government systems to streamline operations.
Committee member Ilyas Chaudhary praised the new banking project for its improved service model, while BISP officials maintained that those facing fingerprint authentication issues could still use ATMs.
The committee convener said the next meeting, involving all key stakeholders, including banks, will be held in Karachi, adding that the discussion would focus on further improvements and potential modifications to the BISP card system in collaboration with banks.
Earlier, a staggering Rs141 billion in financial irregularities had been uncovered in the BISP for the fiscal year 2023-24, according to an audit report.
The audit report highlighted serious discrepancies, including payments made to individuals without valid CNICs, misuse of educational stipends, and unauthorised cash withdrawals from beneficiaries' accounts.
According to the report, out of 9.3 million beneficiaries, more than three million did not have a registered family CNIC.
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