Family-based data collection under the government's nationwide Family Card programme begins today, October 12, with authorities planning to use mosques, temples, pagodas and churches to raise public awareness about the initiative.
The Ministry of Social Welfare has requested the Ministry of Religious Affairs to coordinate with the Islamic Foundation and the Hindu, Buddhist and Christian Religious Welfare Trusts to disseminate information about the programme through religious institutions.
A letter regarding the initiative was sent by the Family Card Programme under the Ministry of Social Welfare on October 8.
According to the letter, data collection will begin simultaneously across the country on October 12, covering local police station areas and individual households. The government has prepared the Family Card Thana Database Data Collection Guidelines, 2026 to guide the process.
The letter emphasised the importance of raising public awareness through religious institutions. It called for announcements at mosques in coordination with the Islamic Foundation and at temples, pagodas and churches through the respective religious welfare trusts.
According to the prepared awareness messages, trained government personnel carrying official identification cards will visit households to collect information about family circumstances. The information will be used to assess which households need assistance most.
Residents have been urged to provide accurate information reflecting their families' actual socioeconomic conditions.
At mosques, a three-minute announcement before Friday prayers will encourage people to provide truthful information and warn them against financial fraud. The message states that no payment is required to participate in the data collection process.
People have been cautioned against anyone demanding money in exchange for a promise to include their names on the Family Card beneficiary list.
Meanwhile, two-minute announcements at temples, churches and Buddhist monasteries will encourage people to provide accurate information and check on elderly and persons with disabilities in their neighbourhoods to ensure they are not overlooked during data collection.
The awareness message also advises people to report anyone demanding money by calling the helpline 1098.
Copies of the Ministry of Social Welfare's letter were sent to the director general of the Islamic Foundation, the secretary of the Hindu Religious Welfare Trust and other relevant officials for information and necessary action.