Project Description
The project launches an automated government-to-person (G2P) payment
system in Bihar, linking payments to bank accounts and enhancing access to
other financial services that will improve efficiency, transparency, and
accountability of payments made to health workers and program
participants. The first of its three objectives is to develop the payment
system, Health Operations Payments Engine (HOPE), which will automate the
recording, verification, and computation of incentive payments; centralize
payment processes; and transition check and cash-based payments to
electronic funds transfer (EFT)-based payments for three health programs.
The second objective is to launch pilot projects in three districts in
Bihar, to refine the product for statewide implementation. The third is to
launch the HOPE system statewide. During the rollout, HOPE is expected to
process payments worth $300 million to staff and beneficiaries. In the
long run, this project also will help with broader financial inclusion as
people start using other services offered by banks through their accounts.