IT is a good effort on the part of the National Savings Organisation to bring about improvements in the disbursementof profits on various savings schemes for its investors, especially senior citizens, widows,etc.

The introduction of a savings account cheque book proved useful and f acilitated the senior citizens to deposit their profit cheque in their personal accounts instead of waiting in long queues at National Savings centres to collect their profits.

Introducing improvements in the system is a never-ending process. To make it convenient for the investors, instead of depositing National Savings cheques in one`s own account, payable profits may directly be linked and transferred to the investor`s account on due dates.

This way one step can be eliminated from within the process. In the present system, physical presence in the city is essentially required. As we know, many people who have invested in National Savings schemes in Pakistan regularly travel abroad, and are away for at least four to six months. They are deprived of using their profit for this period.

In case of an emergency, they subsequently face financial crunch. The very objective of such schemes is thus compromised. I came to Canada for two to three months. I fell very ill and had to undergo a major surgery.

Being a visitor, I was not entitled to the health/medical benefits of the country and faced severe financial problems. If my profit was linked with my account in Pakistan, I could have drawn some funds through my AT M card. As a senior investor in these schemes, I urge the relevant authorities to consider the suggestion.

This would facilitate many investors while they travel. It may also encourage and step up investments in National Savings schemes to a large coverage.

Shamim Sagheer Ontario, Canada