Rupali Bank to distribute gov’t allowance for elderly, disabled, widows

Rupali Bank SureCash is working to distribute government allowances to the elderly, disabled and widowed across the country under the social safety net allowance program, read a press release.

The government is strengthening social security for the helpless and endangered people of the country daily. The pilot phase has started in eight unions of eight divisions of the country at the initiative of the Department of Social Services under the social welfare ministry.

Among them, SureCash has distributed allowance money to the beneficiaries of: Lord Hardinge union of Lalmohan upazila, Bhola, Barisal, and Raipur union of Barhatta upazila, Netrokona, and Mymensingh. The elderly and widowed are getting Tk500 and the disabled are getting Tk750 per month, the press release stated.

SureCash has taken several steps at the field-level to reach out to this marginalised population of the country. Local agents have been made more active, including area-based miking, postering and offering call centre support to raise awareness among beneficiaries.

In continuous collaboration with the local social welfare officer, chairman and ward members, SureCash has distributed the allowance digitally and on time.

In this context, the CEO of SureCash Dr Shahadat Khan said, "We are proud to work with such an initiative of the government. Work is underway on a pilot phase at the primary stage."

"Already 90% of the distribution has been completed. Through this initiative, the beneficiaries from remote areas can easily withdraw money from their SureCash mobile accounts," he added.

Beneficiaries do not have to pay a fee to withdraw money using a SureCash mobile account.