Farmers To Use Expired IDs To Access AIP

Farmers To Use Expired IDs To Access AIP

Homeland security Minister Richard Chimwendo Banda has directed the National Registration Bureau to allow the use of expired national identity cards in a bid to allow farmers access Affordable Farm Inputs under the AIP.

As Malawi joins the rest of the world in commemorating International ID Day, frustration by the citizenry when accessing services from the national registration bureau continues.

Lilongwe resident Annie Gomonda is among those who have been visiting NRB offices for months but have not been assisted as we speak.

“This is the sixth time coming here seeking my father's death certificate but they keep sending me back,” she said.

At least 3 million identity cards have expired this year, and Chimwendo Banda says government is aware of the congestion and delays during the issuing of the IDs and certificates, attributing it to inadequate human resources and equipment.

The minister says as a way to reduce congestion, farmers with expired identity cards will access affordable inputs, as they wait for the new cards which are said to have a 10 years expiry date.

“This only applies to usage in the agriculture sector, the other sectors will have to wait until consultations are done if need be,” he said.

Meanwhile, the treasury has allocated 1.2 billion kwacha to the NRB to assist in the procurement of equipment and recruitment of an additional 140 members of staff.

 

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