The overall allocation to the social security sector might be increased in the budget for the 2022-23 fiscal, and 11 lakh more beneficiaries might also be included under the scheme.
According to the sources concerned, in the new financial year, the allocation for this sector may be shown at Tk 1.10 lakh crore against the Tk 1 lakh 7,614 crore in the current 2021-22 financial year.
At present 57 lakh elderly people in the country are getting old-aged allowance. Each of them is getting Tk 500 every month as allowance. If 11 lakh more people are added to the scheme in the next financial year, the total number of beneficiaries will stand to 68 lakh. Besides, at present 24.75 lakh widows and other women abandoned by their husbands are also getting the allowance monthly. One of the best initiatives of the government is the allowance being provided to different types of beneficiaries under
a social security programme. This is a financial programme of the government. Through this programme the government is providing financial assistance to the elderly, destitute, unemployed and low income people.
According to officials, after the Awami League government led by Sheikh Hasina assumed power in 1996, for the first time in Bangladesh, the government launched the allowance system in 1997-98 financial year when Tk 100 was given to each of the beneficiaries.
In 2009-10, the amount was increased to Tk 300 for each and then the number of beneficiaries was 22.50 lakh. In 2010-11, the number of beneficiaries was increased to 24.75 lakh and in 2016-17, the number rose to 31.50 lakh. In the same year (2016-17), the amount of allowance money was also increased to Tk 500.
According to officials, primarily this allowance scheme was implemented in 112 upazilas in the country and in the current fiscal year, 150 upazilas were included. Therefore, at present, it is implemented in a total of 262 upazilas across the country.
The officials said 100 more upazilas are also being brought under the scheme. If 100 more upazilas are included, people form a total of 362 out of all the 495 upazilas will come under the allowance facilities.
According to sources, at a recent meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Social Security, chaired by Finance Minister AHM Mustafa Kamal, the Ministry of Social Welfare recommended an increase of Tk 100 to Tk 600. But the Finance Department of the Finance Ministry did not agree with this recommendation.
Selim Raihan, Executive Director of the South Asian Network on Economic Modeling (SANEM), said it was important to increase the allowance in view of inflation.
He said the main objective of the programme was to bring the poor into social security. But that is not happening. Because, considering the inflation, Tk 500 seven years ago has come down to the equivalent to Tk 350 now.
As per the rules, those who want to get the allowance, he or she has to apply online. After the application is filled up, the applicant has to submit a printed copy to the local office of the Directorate of Social Welfare with a recommendation by the local chairman of Union Parishad or municipality. If the application is verified and granted, the applicant will get Tk 500 as monthly allowance through mobile banking.