Establishment of Micro-finance Bank, Utilizing NADRA's Computerized Facilities: Suggestions for BISP, Asian Bank, World Bank and Donors Agencies to Disburse Funds

This article suggests methods for efficient disbursal of donor funds in the Pakistan government's Benazir Income Support Program (BISP). It also aims to create awareness about the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) and its e-Sahulat facilities.

BISP offers opportunities for education, vocational training, livelihood, insurance cover and access to microfinance. Beneficiaries include poor families, victims of terrorism and displaced people. The government has used post office services to disburse money under this scheme. The money has, however, often failed to reach beneficiaries. Study results indicate that:

• BISP requires quality control, and speedy and flawless delivery of funds to beneficiaries;
• NADRA and e-Sahulat would be the best means for transparent disbursement of funds and deposition of utility bills;
• Existing e-Sahulat franchises need to utilize modified and enhanced software facilities;
• Recharge of BISP payments and transfer of money in real time is urgently required;
• E-Sahulat franchises should be upgraded to a microfinance banking system.