Mohammadi News Agency News – Features – Photo
MNA Editorial Desk: Though Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has frequently warned that, severe action will be taken if irregularities are found in distribution of low-cost rice among the ultra-poor, but within few days of the programme, there have been reports that chairmen and members of different union councils issued cards against well-off families.
While many card-holders come up with the allegations that they haven’t get the amount of rice allocated by the government. Reports are also there that the rice allocated for the ultra-poor has been sold on the black market in many areas.
Evan though PM warned that the dealership will also be cancelled if any dealer is found involved in irregularities in distribution of the rice and necessary action will also be taken against the elected representatives if found guilty.
A dealer has been appointed for every 500 ultra-poor people. Dealers and union parishad chairmen will distribute the rice making a list of ultra-poor. Members of Parliament examine the lists so that there are no anomalies or irregularities in preparing the lists.
A total of five million poor families in rural areas will get 30 kg rice a month at Tk. 10 per kg for five months under the project launched in September.
The families will get the rice under the scheme also in October, November, March and April.
Meanwhile, people connected in selecting recipients and allocating the rice are either directly linked to local units of the ruling party or patronized by ruling party, which lends authority to the allegations that the programme is virtually intended to help ruling party leaders and activists to line their pockets with public money.
More than ten people have already held in corruption cases connected with the rice distribution since the inauguration of the programme. So the government should take steps and more play efficient role to control the irregularities.
