Dhaka:The government is advancing its efforts to develop an integrated family-based database aimed at identifying poor and vulnerable households for inclusion in social safety net programs through the Family Card initiative.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Family Card initiative seeks to ensure that government assistance reaches deserving families by accurately assessing their socio-economic conditions to improve beneficiary selection. The Family Card is set to evolve into an integrated social registry and payment system, utilizing a common database for multiple social safety net programs to enhance transparency and reduce errors in beneficiary selection.
During the pilot phase, 70,861 families received financial assistance through Family Cards. Building on this, the government plans to extend the program to an additional 41 lakh families by the 2026-27 fiscal year. The nationwide expansion of Family Cards began in phases on October 10. State Minister for Social Welfare Farzana Sharmin emphasized the importance of identifying poor families through reliable data to ensure they receive necessary government support.
The Family Card program will compile and regularly update information on households, including income, assets, education, health, housing, and livelihoods, to develop a dynamic social registry. Secretary of the Ministry of Social Welfare Dr. Mohammad Abu Yusuf highlighted the significance of the Family Card as more than an allowance distribution system, aiming for its development into an integrated social registry.
Data collection will involve door-to-door visits with tablet computers, even allowing for offline data collection in areas lacking internet access. A central monitoring system with location-based technology will ensure data collectors operate within designated areas, as stated by Director General of the Department of Social Services Shah Mohammad Mahbub. Training and verification measures are planned to ensure data accuracy.
The pilot phase revealed challenges such as errors in National Identity Card information and issues with mobile financial service accounts. The government is addressing these before further program expansion. Additionally, the Family Card system will link with banking and financial services to facilitate direct assistance transfers, minimizing intermediaries and increasing transparency.
The program will assess its impact on households' access to essential services and identify areas for improvement. Officials believe that lessons from the pilot phase will enhance beneficiary identification, data management, and payment processes, ultimately directing resources to those most in need.