Some 37,567 female-headed families will receive 'family card' under the piloting phase of the new government's flagship annuity recipe which Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is set to inaugurate today.
The premier, who has preannounced a 'plan' of perceivably an equitable welfare nation on his homecoming from exile, would give the go to the nationwide programme at a function in Dhaka's Korail slum area this (Tuesday) morning.
Social Welfare Minister Abu Zafar Md Zahid Hossain at a press conference on this occasion said Monday that the initiative has been taken with the aim of empowering women and establishing social justice.
Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, Prime Minister's Adviser Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, State Minister for Social Welfare Farzana Sharmin, State Minister for LGRD Mir Shahe Alam and secretaries concerned were among others present.
Mr Hossain said eligible beneficiaries under the family-card programme will receive a monthly allowance of Tk 2,500 during the pilot phase. Under the pilot project the programme is being implemented in 15 wards in 13 districts of the country.
He said one of the government's top commitments is attaining national development and social justice by ensuring women's empowerment, women's rights, dignity and economic independence.
The government is executing the groundbreaking programme of issuing 'family card' in the name of the female head of the family as part of implementing the electoral pledge, he said.
"Since the entire process is done using software…, there is no scope for corruption, nepotism or manual interference in the selection of beneficiaries," said the social welfare minister at the press conference held at Bangladesh Secretariat.
He said under the family-card programme, each women-led household will be given a modern smart card. A family containing five members will get one card. However, if the number of members in a joint or extended family is more than five, the issuance of multiple cards on a proportional basis will be considered.
Mr Hossain said if the female head of a household, selected for the family card, receives any other government allowance or assistance, all those existing benefits will be considered cancelled. However, other family members will continue to receive other allowances.
He said the family-card allowance from the funds allocated to the Ministry of Social Welfare under social-safety net will be deposited directly into the mobile wallet or bank account of the beneficiary woman according to her choice through the government-to- person method.
Finance Minister Mr Chowdhury at the event said the selection of beneficiaries was made through transparent manner and without any political considerations. "We are implementing the programme for all the citizens, not for any particular party members."
syful-islam@outlook.com
