Thrust on beneficiaries' database, digital payment system

Making a beneficiaries' database, introducing digital payment system and enhancing monitoring activities are imperative to make social security programmes more effective and purposeful.

Besides, reform in programme design, use of information technology and stakeholders' capacity-building resources are also essential in this regard.

Experts made the remarks at a working session following the launch of the National Social Security Strategy (NSSS) Action Plan on the first day of the three-day 'Bangladesh Social Security Conference 2018' on Sunday.

The Cabinet Division with the support of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Australian Aid organised the conference at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre in the city.

The session titled 'Consolidation of social allowance programmes' was chaired by Social Welfare Secretary Md Zillar Rahman.

Representatives of several ministries, including finance division additional secretary Md Azizul Alam, social welfare additional secretary Dr Md Nasir Uddin and women and children affairs secretary Md Abdul Karim, gave presentations on their respective departments' role in implementing the social security programmes.

In his speech, Md Azizul Alam said the finance division, which is under the Ministry of Finance (MoF), will make comprehensive review of the current payment mechanism and international experience to make the system of fund allocation more time-befitting.

"A plan will also be developed by the division in collaboration with key delivery ministries to execute the Government-to-Person (G2P) payment system, so that it maximises financial inclusion," he said.

He also said a pilot programme of the electronic G2P payment has successfully been implemented in several districts since July.

Mr Azizul said the MoF has established a modern Management Information System (MIS) which will help eliminate ghost beneficiaries and increase efficiency of the programmes.

In his speech, Dr Md Nasir Uddin identified the lack of information required to complete the database of elderly people and increasing migration from rural areas as challenges in the implementation of social security programmes.

He also underscored the need for comprehensive and effective management of the social security schemes.

Mr Nasir Uddin also said the government is soon going to launch a comprehensive pension scheme for elderly people aged 65 years and above.

Besides, elderly people aged above 90 years will receive monthly allowance of Tk 3000, he added.

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