IT has emerged that the spouses of over 28,500 Sindh government employees have been illicitly benefiting from BISP. This troubling revelation during a provincial assembly session has put into focus vulnerabilities within a programme designed to provide financial aid to the most impoverished Pakistanis. This is not the first instance of its kind. In 2019, a dive into BISP data led to the removal of 820,165 ineligible beneficiaries nationwide, including several government employees and their spouses. Subsequent audits have consistently highlighted financial irregularities, with the AGP detecting anomalies worth billions. Such issues not only divert essential resources from the deserving, they also erode public trust in welfare initiatives.

In the past, corrective measures such as data-driven cleansing, wealth profiling, and disciplinary actions against culpable officials were taken. Clearly, they were insufficient. The situation demands a transparent and thorough inquiry. The beneficiary list must pass through an improved vetting process which is conducted with utmost integrity. Recovering misappropriated funds is essential, but it is equally important to hold accountable all those who exploited the system. To prevent future abuses, BISP must undergo extensive reforms. This must begin with implementing a data verification process that ensures only those who genuinely qualify for assistance receive it. Biometric verification systems — like fingerprint or facial recognition — can add an extra layer of security, confirming that payments reach the right recipients. The programme can also make use of real-time monitoring systems, which integrated with partner banks would provide continuous oversight of transactions, allowing for immediate detection of irregularities. In field operations, geotagging technology can help track data collection activities and verify service delivery. Strict penalties for those found guilty of defrauding welfare programmes are essential to deter potential wrongdoers. BISP plays a crucial role in poverty alleviation. The programme must restore public trust and ensure aid reaches those most in need.

Published in Dawn, November 6th, 2024