The National Database Registeration Authority (NADRA) is all set to launch dynamic “e-Sahulat” project, which is an advance form of Kiosk, utility bill payment system. The adviser to Prime Minister on Interior A. Rehman Malik, will formally inaugurate the project, indigenously designed by NADRA, on Friday by
handing over the licenses to selected franchisees. Of 4,403 applications received for e-Sahulat project across Pakistan, 714 were from Islamabad only, out of which so far 192 applicants are being awarded the license.
The remarkable popularity of Kiosk project motivated NADRA to launch another vibrant project e-Sahulat. So far 8 million bills, worth Rs 5.7 billion, were submitted under NADRA’s KIOSK project.
To outreach kiosk operations and to allow consumers to take advantage of NADRA services such as collection of utility bills, dispensing pins for scratch cards and online verification (verisys), e-Sahulat scheme has been introduced.
NADRA e-Sahulat is particularly designed for low income areas to bring faster market access through an established channel by offering technology and business opportunities in rural areas as well as in cities. “NADRA e-Sahulat” will enable all concerned to operate as a “Franchisee” and provide services through their own personal computers.
E-Sahulat scheme provides a single platform for each citizen enabling use of multiple services through CNIC. The biggest advantage of e-Sahulat is its 24/7 availability. A finger print matching system makes e-Sahulat an authentic package where transfer of fund is an extremely secure activity. A very strong encryption and authentication system has been used, which means that e-Sahulat can be deployed securely even over the Internet.
Under the scheme, franchisees will collect utility bills, dispense pins for scratch cards (mobile phones, calling cards) and will also be able to carry online verification (verisys). The franchise of e-Sahulat is being offered to motivated and energetic business persons on a prepaid basis.
Franchisee will charge a prepaid account by depositing cash at specified NADRA Swift Registration Centers and designated banks and will carry transactions till the usage of that credit.
The franchisee would manage day-to-day operations, provision and maintenance of last mile media connectivity, ensure customer care and convenience, undertake local publicity and material required to attract customers.
The E-Sahulat project, with all the regular kiosk functions is first-of-its-kind in Pakistan. It can be operated from any PC anywhere. This scheme is being offered for all the cities and towns of Pakistan where dialup or WLL or similar telecommunication technology is available.
NADRA had received as many as 1,813 applications for those aspiring to open a franchise from Lahore out of which 618 have been awarded the franchise licenses. 1,045 applications were received from Multan out of which 350 franchisees had been awarded the license.
NADRA would provide finger-print scanner and kiosk software, back-end support including software and networking support, training of franchise personnel, advertisement and promotional support of e-Sahulat value addition by bringing additional products onboard.