The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has introduced a comprehensive policy to enhance the financial inclusion of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).
President of Pakistan, Dr. Arif Alvi has said that the launch of the State Bank of Pakistan’s policy to enhance the financial inclusion of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) will contribute greatly in alleviating the difficulties, faced by PWDs and will ensure their confidence in the financial system.
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The program aims at improving the financial independence of PWDs by improving access to banking services and providing opportunities to contribute as a bank employees. The program has been developed in collaboration with banks and non-government organizations whose special interest in improving the living conditions of persons with disabilities.
New SBP policy will ensure 25% share for women Persons with Disabilities
The job quota for PWDs at banks will ensure at least a 25% share for women. The board of directors of banks will be required to sanction a policy and strategy framework for financial inclusion of PEDs and management will be bound to the implementation of the same.
According to the policy, banks will offer products and services covering special needs of all kinds of disabilities including the physically, visually handicapped with hearing and speech disabilities.
The banks will be bound to ensure the availability of essential forms and documents in Braille, sign language interpretation services, ramps at the entrances of their branches, and ATMs points. Banks have also been asked under this policy to meet the prescribed job quota for PWDs and design HR policies to cater to their specific needs throughout the career.
Reza Baqir, The governor of the State Bank of Pakistan said that SBP will work with banks to support the objective that Persons with Disabilities have equal access and opportunity to participate in economic activities.
He asked the banks to design and deliver products and services that cater to the special needs of PWDs and make physical and assistive technological infrastructure available for their facilitation.
