KIC Accuses BISP Staff of Illegal Deductions from Women Beneficiaries in Landi Kotal
The Khyber Ittehad Committee (KIC) has made serious allegations against local staff of the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), claiming they are collecting illegal deductions from women beneficiaries in Landi Kotal. During a press conference held at the District Press Club Landi Kotal on Wednesday, committee representatives voiced their concerns, highlighting a pattern of corruption that they say has gone unchecked despite repeated complaints.
Allegations of Unauthorized Charges
Committee members, including Khadam Shah, Haji Ganbat, Rehmanullah, Jan Muhammad, Umar, and Haji Saleh Shah, stated that women receiving financial assistance through BISP are being forced to pay between Rs500 and Rs1,000 in unauthorized charges. They alleged that these deductions are made by device operators, with the alleged support of some BISP officials and corrupt elements within the district administration. The speakers emphasized that this issue has been brought to the attention of local authorities multiple times, but no effective action has been taken to address it.
Governor's Assurance and Implementation Delays
In response to these concerns, the committee reported that they raised the matter during a meeting with the Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Faisal Karim Kundi. The governor assured them that future payments would be transferred directly to beneficiaries through mobile wallet SIMs to enhance transparency and reduce opportunities for corruption. However, the committee claimed that this system has not yet been implemented, leaving the current payment process vulnerable to abuse.
Call for Immediate Action and Transparency
According to the KIC members, the continued use of payment devices in Landi Kotal creates room for corruption, allowing officials involved in the process to demand illegal payments from beneficiaries. They called for the immediate suspension of these payment devices and urged authorities to deploy staff from other districts to ensure a transparent distribution of funds. The committee warned that if prompt action is not taken, they will expand their protest and escalate the issue to higher authorities, seeking justice for the affected women.
The allegations underscore ongoing challenges in social welfare programs, where corruption can undermine efforts to support vulnerable populations. The KIC's demands highlight the need for systemic reforms to protect beneficiaries and ensure that aid reaches those in need without exploitation.
