Sindh to introduce biometric verifications for Zakat disbursal

The Sindh government has decided to introduce a system of biometric verifications for the distribution of Zakat to around 100,000 beneficiaries in the province so that corrupt practices and pilferage could end.

The decision was made at a meeting on Thursday with Chief Secretary Syed Mumtaz Ali Shah in the chair. The meeting was informed that there were around 100,000 beneficiaries in the province who were annually given Rs14,000 as Zakat.

The Sindh Bank has been tasked with distributing Zakat among beneficiaries belonging to poor families in the province. The chief secretary directed the officials concerned to ensure that the Sindh Bank and the National Database and Registration Authority worked together to introduce the system of biometric verifications.

He said the biometric verification was necessary for ending corrupt practices and the role of the agent in the process of Zakat disbursal in the province. He said that at least once a year the Zakat beneficiaries should go through the process of biometric verifications.

The meeting also took into consideration the option of using the cellular phone-based branchless banking system for the disbursal of Zakat in the coming years. It decided to invite proposals to this effect from the service-providers.

Acting VC appointed

As the Government College in Hyderabad is being upgraded to the status of a university, being the first public sector university of the Hyderabad city, the chief minister has appointed its principal as acting vice-chancellor of the varsity.

Prof Dr Nasiruddin Shaikh has been appointed acting VC of the Government College University, Hyderabad, and a notification has been issued by Sindh government’s secretary for universities and boards.