Govt takes steps to reach allowances to real beneficiaries: Sharmin

State Minister for Social Welfare Barrister Farzana Sharmin Putul toady said the incumbent government has taken initiatives to reach the government allowances to the real beneficiaries. “The success of the government's various social security programmes largely depends on its proper implementation at the field level,” she told a press briefing after the first session of the fourth day of the Deputy Commissioner (DC) Conference at Osmani Memorial Auditorium here.

In this regard, she said, the deputy commissioners and divisional commissioners should play an important role as they act as a bridge between the ministry and the grassroots people. So, the state minister said, it is important to ensure transparency, accountability and integrity in their activities.

In many cases, allegations of irregularities have been surfaced in the list of allowance recipients, she said. She said a committee has already been formed to resolve this problem, which will re-verify the existing lists. Modern methods have been applied to identify the real beneficiaries and arrangements are being made to deliver benefits directly through the ‘Government to Person’ (G-to-P) system, Sharmin said.

She said the coverage of social security programmes is being gradually expanded. However, the government’s goal is not just to provide allowances; rather its main objective is to make the beneficiaries self-reliant and integrate them into the mainstream of the national economy, she said. To this end, she said, a comprehensive plan has been taken to develop the skills of women and youth and connect them with employment.

Sharmin said the DCs should be vigilant to ensure that no corruption or irregularities occur in the implementation of the government’s development projects. She said if any problem or obstacle arises at the field level, the DCs should inform the ministry immediately. Through proper coordination and sincere efforts, government services can be effectively delivered to the doorsteps of the people, she said.

The state minister asked all to remain strict and aware so that no corruption can take place in these programmes.