Poverty alleviation projects not being implemented properly

SIRAJGANJ, Jan 24: Government's poverty alleviation projects for employment generation in the northern region of the country, including the district, have failed to achieve the desired goal of helping the poor, reports UNB.

Sources said wheat was sanctioned for implementation of many projects to create employment for the poor and the day-labourers. But the intended beneficiaries have been deprived in many cases due to corruption, allegedly resorted to by Union Parishad chairmen and members. Thousands of poor people are now passing their days in agony for lack of food.

Government has allocated nearly 16,000 metric tons of wheat for completing the works of some 8,500 TR schemes in various places of 16 northern districts as part of the post-flood rehabilitation programme.

The sources said allocations were given for the repair of roads, educational institutions, mosques and temples.

But it was alleged that after lifting wheat during the period from November to December, the UP chairmen and members sold nearly the entire quantity in the black market. However, they are carrying out some works of the projects to show their existence in name only.

Government also sanctioned about 40,000 metric tons of wheat for implementing another 1,700 "Kabikha" (food for work) projects at many places in the region.

In Sirajganj district, some 3,723 metric tons of wheat were sanctioned for implementation of 768 projects as part of the post-flood rehabilitation programme. But the future of many projects have become uncertain due to alleged malpractice and corruption.

When contacted, an official of the District Relief and Rehabilitation Office here told the news agency that 60 per cent work of the TR schemes and 30 per cent of "Kabikha" (food for work) have been completed.

The official, however, declined to say anything about the alleged corruption.