The process had been initiated about three years ago and database of about 48,000 pensioners have already been maintained. DAC hopes to accomplish the remaining work soon. Currently, there are about 54,000 pensioners in the country.[break]
“Management of database had slacked earlier due to manpower and resource crunch,” Defense Account Controller Dwarika Prasad Acharya told Republica. “However, the work is on in full swing now.”
In absence of the database, pensioners reportedly used to draw lesser amount from the banks than they were entitled to. The Office of the Auditor General had also frequently raised concern with the DAC office over possibility of embezzlement.
Acharya conceded that there were instances when the banks distributing pensions paid less as they did not receive updates on changes in the pension status.
“Pensions increase with the increase in salary scale of the rank from which personnel receive retirement. The manual system of data maintenance normally fails to inform banks of such changes,” said Acharya.
DAC office distributes pension through the branches of three financial institutions -- Nepal Rastra Bank, Rastriya Banijya Bank and Nepal Bank Limited. Records show that DAC distributed about Rs three billion in pension from the branches last year.Acharya said computerized database would also facilitate transfer of pension benefits to an immediate relative following the demise of the principal pensioner and removes the hassle of going the whole hog searching for the details in ledger books.
Moreover, the database also makes it lot easier to calculate the accrued pensions of those personnel who do not collect it over a long period.
Acharya, however, lamented that the government has not been able to provide necessary manpower and resources to his office for the job of maintaining computerized database. Although three positions are vacant at the DAC to undertake the task, only one personnel has been provided so far.
The DAC office also said the government should revisit its policy so that smart cards can be introduced in the near future.
“If the government introduces smart cards, the pensioners can withdraw money from financial institutions in any part of the country,” Acharya said.
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