QR code system to be extended for Samurdhi and social welfare programmes

The Government will introduce a QR code to identify eligible recipients and families for the distribution of welfare packages under different programmes for those living below the poverty- line, Samurdhi Development Department officials said.

A QR code system is being successfully implemented in the distribution of fuel and a similar system is to be adopted to streamline social welfare programmes such as Samurdhi, the elderly persons' dole, Disabled Persons and Kidney Disease Livelihood programmes. The aim is to ensure a more efficient and transparent system which is currently known to be riddled with corruption, the officials said.

They said the details of those who apply for social welfare programmes would be computerised via a link given to Welfare Benefit Information Officers and a QR code would be allocated to the applicant. The process would begin on October 15.

A document containing the QR code would be given to the applicant after field officers had collected the data at the Grama Niladhari Division Level through a mobile phone application, the officials said.

By December 15, the Welfare Benefits Board will calculate poverty-levels under the criteria of education, health, economic level, assets, housing status and family demography along with the related

22 indicators and display the list of those eligible for welfare benefits and the poverty score at divisional secretariat level.

The Board would appoint appeal committees to inquire into appeals and objections submitted against the name lists displayed at the Divisional Secretariat, and convey the decision to the Divisional Secretary or the Board.

Finally, the list of beneficiaries should be submitted to the Welfare Benefits Board, which will approve it and the list would be made public.

It is estimated that nearly 3.9 million families will come under this programme.