Biometric Verification Problems During BISP Payment – Causes & Solutions

The Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) is one of Pakistan’s most important social safety net initiatives, providing financial assistance to low-income households. Many beneficiaries have reported facing significant challenges with integrating biometric verification systems to streamline and secure payments. These issues hinder the smooth disbursement of funds and create stress and financial insecurity for the most helpless communities.

This article explores the biometric verification problems during BISP payments, their causes, impact, and potential solutions for a more effective and inclusive payment system.

What is Biometric Verification in BISP?

Biometric verification involves authenticating a person’s identity using unique biological traits such as fingerprints, iris scans, or facial recognition. The BISP program uses this technology through NADRA (National Database and Registration Authority) and designated banks or payment agents to ensure that payments reach the rightful beneficiaries and minimize fraud.

Common Biometric Verification Problems in BISP Payments

Fingerprint Recognition Failure

The most reported issue is fingerprint mismatch or failure. This can happen due to:

• Worn-out fingerprints (common among elderly or laborers)
• Unclean or moist fingers during scanning
• Low-quality biometric scanners
• Technical errors in matching data with NADRA

System Downtime and Connectivity Issues

Many payment centers in rural areas struggle with the following:

• Internet connectivity issues
• Software glitches or system crashes
• Slow server response from NADRA

These problems often delay or completely halt the verification process.

Outdated or Unregistered CNIC Data

If a beneficiary’s CNIC data is outdated or not correctly registered with NADRA, the biometric system cannot verify their identity. This is particularly common in cases of:

• Name mismatches
• Recent marriages or deaths
• Incorrect thumbprint record

Machine Malfunction and Poor Infrastructure

Recurring issues result from a lack of proper equipment or frequent malfunctions of biometric devices. Many centers use outdated machines without appropriate maintenance.

Agent Misconduct

In some cases, payment agents may falsely claim biometric failure and demand bribes or cut a portion of the payment, exploiting beneficiaries’ lack of awareness.

Impact on Beneficiaries

• Delayed or missed payments, pushing families further into poverty
• Frequent travel to payment centers, often far from rural homes
• Increased costs in the form of transportation or unofficial fees
• Psychological stress and a sense of helplessness among elderly or disabled individuals

Government and Bisp Initiatives and Updates

To address these issues, the government and BISP authorities have taken several steps, including:

• Establishing complaint centers at BISP Tehsil offices
• Biometric verification exceptions for elderly and disabled beneficiaries
• Multiple payment partners such as banks, EasyPaisa, and other digital channels offer flexibility
• Mobile units for remote area outreach and doorstep payment delivery

Solutions to Improve Biometric Verification in BISP

Introduce multi-modal authentication, such as OTP-based verification, to supplement fingerprints.

BISP Staff make sure the biometric devices at all payment centers are up to date and regularly updated,

Guide all beneficiaries in updating their nadra records, especially after life events like marriage, divorce, or death.

Implement strict monitoring and transparency to reduce corruption at payment points.

Conclusion

Biometric verification was introduced in BISP to improve transparency and reduce fraud, but the system still has gaps that need urgent attention. By addressing the technical, infrastructural, and human-centric issues, the government can ensure fair, timely, and dignified access to financial aid for all deserving citizens.

For the BISP program to truly serve its purpose, it must prioritize user-friendly verification methods, equity in access, and strong oversight mechanisms to protect beneficiaries from exploitation.