PROJECT

Projects

Summary of Advisory Services Project Information

Project Number

588947

Primary Business Area

Access To Finance

Disclosure Date

Jun 14, 2012

Country

India

Region

South Asia

IFC Approval Date

Feb 8, 2012

Status

Active

Estimated Total Budget

$2,981,736.00
(Project budget includes all project-funded activities)

Last Updated Date

Nov 30, 2016

Project Estimated Start Date

Jan 9, 2012

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.