Special programmes needed for ethnic groups
Social Safety Net Programmes (SSNP) are failing to properly develop the living standard of ethnic minorities in the country as no sustainable economic development plan has been enlisted for them, speakers at a conference said yesterday.
They stressed on establishing small industries locally, considering special skills of ethnic minorities, apart from various services by SSNP.
Right to Food Bangladesh (RFB), a platform of food security campaigners, and non-government organisation World Vision jointly organised the conference on “Small ethnic groups in SSNP: proposals for new policy framework” at Cirdap auditorium in the capital.
Presenting a research paper, Dr Asif Shahan, assistant professor at Dhaka University’s development studies department, said cultural diversity of various ethnic groups are not being considered in SSNP and that is why various services under these programmes are failing to play an effective role to enhance their capabilities.
“The government should introduce special programmes including adequate employment opportunities as per their [ethnic groups’] skills,” he said.
He claimed that though vulnerable group development (VGD), vulnerable group feeding (VGF), disability allowance, and old age allowance are available in some places due to the role of NGOs, their participation in other programmes is almost absent.
Chairing the conference, RFB and Palli Karma Sahayak Foundation (PKSF) Chairman Dr Kazi Khaliquzzaman Ahmed stressed on undertaking different programmes considering the people’s practical problems.
“Thus, SSNP could serve the interest of ethnic minorities” he added.
MM Akash, a professor of economics at DU, said extensive research is needed to get precise knowledge about the life of ethnic groups across the country, and then proper initiative could be taken.
“Special programmes and budgetary allocation should be increased for them, as poverty rate among indigenous people is 60 percent, which is much higher than the national rate,” he claimed.
Speaking as chief guest, Gazi Mohammad Nurul Kabir, Director General, Department of Social Services (DSS), said that the government is increasing the number of beneficiaries by expanding social safety net coverage every year.
“The government will consider specific proposals from RFB in this regard,” he assured.
Among others, RFB general secretary Mohsin Ali; social protection specialist, deputy secretary Mohammad Khaled Hasan; and food ministry’s deputy secretary Raina Ahmed also spoke at the conference.
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